TikTok Deal Advances but Key Hurdles Remain as Trump, Xi Seek Common Ground

WASHINGTON, Sept 20– Progress on a long-awaited TikTok deal between the United States and China has revived hopes of resolving the app’s future in the American market, though significant hurdles remain.

Following a call between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, Trump said he “appreciated the approval” of the deal from Xi. However, Beijing’s statement was more cautious, emphasizing respect for market negotiations within Chinese laws rather than outright endorsement.

TikTok deal to be hammered soon?

The development comes eight months after the legal deadline lapsed for Chinese ownership of TikTok’s U.S. operations, with the app’s fate still unresolved. China had previously blocked a similar agreement in April amid trade tensions.

Experts note that while both sides described the talks as “positive” and “constructive,” crucial questions—including ownership of TikTok’s prized algorithm—remain unanswered. With 170 million U.S. users at stake, the outcome could shape both business ties and broader U.S.-China relations.

Business News