China welcomed the U.S. framework deal on TikTok as “win-win,” pledging legal review of tech exports and IP, ahead of Trump–Xi confirmation call.
China welcomes U.S. TikTok ownership deal as “win-win”
China on Wednesday welcomed a preliminary agreement to transfer TikTok’s U.S. assets to the United States, calling it a “win-win” solution. State media said final confirmation would be made on Friday during a phone call between President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
Trump–Xi: A key call
The deal reached in Madrid opens the way for further trade talks after the current tariff truce. TikTok, which has about 170 million users in the United States, has become a test bed for whether the world’s two largest economies can find a compromise.
As Reuters reported, the deal follows a version that had already been agreed earlier this year but fell apart after Trump announced new tariffs on Chinese goods.
China’s position
“China has reached a relevant consensus with the United States on TikTok, as it is based on the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and mutually beneficial cooperation,” the People’s Daily wrote in an editorial under the pseudonym “Zhong Sheng” (“Voice of China”).
The article stated that Beijing would conduct a legal review of issues related to TikTok technology exports and intellectual property licensing.
Next steps
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant said after meeting with Chinese negotiators that the September 17 deadline for finalizing the deal could be extended by another 90 days. He did not provide details.
If the deal is confirmed, it could ease tensions in the relationship and create the conditions for further negotiations on tariffs and market access.
