China-US ‘framework’ deal to resolve TikTok dispute

In a social media post, US President Donald Trump said that a deal was reached with a ‘certain company that young people in our Country very much wanted to save’

The US announced on Sept 15 a “framework” deal with China to resolve their dispute over TikTok, as a deadline looms this week for the Chinese-owned app to be sold or face a US ban.

In a social media post, US President Donald Trump said – without directly naming the social media giant – that a deal was reached with a “certain company that young people in our Country very much wanted to save. They will be very happy!”

Trump added on his Truth Social network that he would speak to Chinese President Xi Jinping on Sept 19.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced the agreement after a second day of talks with Chinese Vice-Premier He Lifeng in Madrid, which also includes discussions about the wider US-China trade dispute.

We have a framework for a TikTok deal, Bessent told reporters, adding that Mr Trump and Mr Xi will speak on September 19 to “complete” the agreement.

TikTok is owned by China-based internet company ByteDance.

A US federal law requiring TikTok’s sale or ban on national security grounds was due to take effect the day before US President Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20.

But the Republican, whose 2024 election campaign relied heavily on social media and who has said he is fond of TikTok, put the ban on pause.

In mid-June Trump extended a deadline for the popular video-sharing app by another 90 days to find a non-Chinese buyer or be banned in the US. That extension is due to expire on Sept 17.

While Trump had long supported a ban or divestment, he reversed his position and vowed to defend the platform – which boasts almost two billion global users – after coming to believe it helped him win young voters’ support in the November election.