US-China Talks Near TikTok Deal, But Trade Issues Linger
The United States and China are close to resolving disputes over TikTok, the popular short-video app owned by Chinese firm ByteDance. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent made the remarks during trade talks in Madrid on September 14. The negotiations lasted six hours and covered multiple trade disputes, with TikTok emerging as one of the most contentious topics.
Right now, Washington wants ByteDance to either divest its US operations or face a nationwide ban. Officials argue the app poses national security risks.
“Very Close” to Agreement
Speaking after the talks, Bessent said the TikTok issue is “very close” to resolution. “I think on the TikTok deal itself, we are very close or we’ve resolved the issue,” he added. However, he stressed that other trade matters remain unsettled.
US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, who also joined the meeting, noted that structural trade imbalances between the two countries are still unresolved.
The Negotiations and China’s Demands
China’s delegation in Madrid was led by Vice Premier He Lifeng. Bessent confirmed that Beijing made “aggressive asks” but did not specify details. Analysts believe the issues discussed included tariffs, trade barriers, regulatory oversight, data security, and how ByteDance might handle divestment or US supervision.
A deadline for ByteDance to present a plan that secures TikTok’s US presence is approaching. Earlier deadlines set by the Trump administration created pressure, though reports suggest an extension is possible.
Broader Context: Trump, Xi, and a Possible Summit
The talks come amid growing US-China diplomatic engagement. A summit between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected soon in South Korea. Ministers of foreign affairs and defense from both sides have also been meeting to reduce tensions and prepare ground for a broader agreement.
What Still Divides the Two Sides
While TikTok may be close to a settlement, many trade disputes remain unresolved:
Trade imbalance: The US demands fairer access and reduced asymmetry.
China’s “asks”: Beijing has pressed for concessions, but details remain unclear.
ByteDance’s structure: Questions linger over ownership, data security, and US oversight.
How ByteDance complies with Washington’s demands on security and governance is still uncertain.
What Comes Next
The immediate timeline depends on TikTok’s looming deadline. Even if extended, the outcome will set precedents for how the US regulates foreign tech firms viewed as security risks.
If Trump and Xi meet as expected, the summit could mark a turning point. A successful meeting might not only finalize TikTok’s status but also push forward broader agreements on trade and security.
Conclusion
The US and China appear close to ending the TikTok dispute. Bessent’s comments suggest ByteDance may accept structural changes or divestment. But significant gaps remain on trade imbalances, China’s demands, and regulatory frameworks. The next few weeks—shaped by deadlines and possible high-level talks—could decide the future of TikTok and broader US-China relations.
