The United States and China have agreed on a framework to shift TikTok to US-controlled ownership. This is a major step in the long dispute over the app’s future. After high-level talks in Madrid, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese negotiators confirmed the breakthrough. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump and China’s Xi Jinping are due to speak on Friday, 19 September, to finalise the TikTok US ownership deal.
Deadline Pressure and Next Steps
In the meantime, Washington has tied progress to a shutdown deadline. As a result, officials signalled a short extension may be possible because a significant step toward a TikTok US ownership deal has been taken. However, they stressed repeated delays are unlikely. Moreover, Trump has already posted that a deal on a “certain” company would “make young people… very happy,” which points to imminent movement.
Why Washington Pushed for Change
Bipartisan pressure grew after a 2024 US law required ByteDance to sell TikTok or face a ban. In January, the app briefly went dark; however, the new administration paused enforcement and extended deadlines several times. Additionally, security officials have long warned about data access and potential influence operations.
Furthermore, Bessent said negotiators resisted Beijing’s “aggressive asks.” He added, “We are not willing to sacrifice national security for a social media app.” Meanwhile, TikTok counts more than 135 million users in the US, which, in turn, underscores the stakes of the TikTok US ownership deal.
What a Deal Could Look Like
For now, commercial terms remain undisclosed. Nevertheless, the framework anticipates a transition to US-controlled ownership that keeps the platform operating while addressing national security concerns. In addition, details of the TikTok US ownership deal are expected after the leaders’ call on Friday.
