In a significant development, the United States and China have struck a framework agreement for the transfer of TikTok’s ownership to a US-controlled entity, ending a prolonged dispute over the app’s national security concerns. This breakthrough deal comes after years of tense negotiations and multiple deadlines.
What Happened
On Monday, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer confirmed that a framework agreement had been reached between Washington and Beijing regarding TikTok’s ownership. The deal comes amid ongoing concerns in Washington over the app’s parent company, ByteDance, which is based in China. This agreement marks a major turning point in the high-profile battle over whether the app could remain operational in the US without compromising national security.
During talks with Chinese officials in Madrid, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed that while the commercial terms would remain private, both parties had agreed to a framework for the transaction. He noted that final details would be worked out in the upcoming meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, scheduled for Friday.
The deal follows a legislative mandate from March 2024, when President Joe Biden signed a bill that allowed ByteDance nine months to divest TikTok to a US-approved buyer or face a ban. The deadline, initially set by the Trump administration, had been extended multiple times, adding to the tension between the two countries.
Who Was Involved?
This breakthrough follows years of complex negotiations, with key players including US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, and high-ranking Chinese officials. The negotiation efforts were influenced by ongoing concerns in Washington about the potential for Chinese surveillance and influence via TikTok.
TikTok, known for its massive user base of young people in the US, has been a target of scrutiny due to its connection with ByteDance, a company based in China. The US government has expressed fears that TikTok could be used by the Chinese government to gather data on American citizens, raising significant national security issues.
Background and Legacy
The conflict over TikTok’s ownership began to escalate under the Trump administration when former President Donald Trump issued an executive order in 2020, threatening to ban the app unless ByteDance sold its US operations to an American company. This led to a series of protracted negotiations that involved multiple extensions, litigation, and debates over the app’s security risks.
President Biden continued to address the issue, and in 2024, his administration signed legislation giving ByteDance a firm deadline to divest from TikTok, heightening the urgency of the deal.
Public and Social Media Reactions
Social media users have reacted with a mix of excitement and skepticism, with some seeing the deal as a victory for US interests and others questioning the long-term impact of the agreement. TikTok’s massive user base in the US, particularly among younger audiences, has kept the app in the spotlight. Advocates for TikTok’s continued operation have expressed relief that the app will remain available for millions of users, while critics remain wary of the national security implications.
“This is a major development that could change the landscape of social media,” said one commentator on Twitter. “But it remains to be seen how the final details play out and whether any privacy concerns are adequately addressed.”
Official Statements or What Happens Next
The deal is still pending final approval from both President Trump and President Xi Jinping, who are expected to finalize the framework when they meet later this week. Greer confirmed that there would be no further extensions, signaling that both governments are committed to resolving the issue.
The deal is seen as a crucial step in easing tensions between the US and China, particularly in light of the ongoing trade wars and security concerns. However, as Bessent pointed out, the commercial terms will remain confidential, raising questions about the nature of the deal and the future of TikTok’s operations in the US.
Closing Line
This story may be updated with more information as it becomes available.
