US and China reach TikTok deal after years of security disputes

"The United States and China have reached a breakthrough agreement on TikTok's future, paving the way for the video-sharing app to transfer into US-controlled ownership after years of political wrangling. US trade representative Jamieson Greer confirmed on Monday that negotiators had struck a framework deal with Beijing following high-level talks in Madrid. Treasury secretary Scott Bessent said the commercial terms had been finalised between "two private parties", but declined to disclose details, adding only that the Chinese delegation had made "aggressive asks" during the negotiations."

"China's top trade envoy, Li Chenggang, later confirmed that consensus had been reached on the basic framework. While calling the talks "hard won", he cautioned Washington against continuing what he described as the "suppression" of Chinese companies, warning that cooperation could not be one-sided. The agreement marks a major turning point in a long-running dispute that has threatened to see TikTok banned outright in the US."

The United States and China reached a framework agreement enabling TikTok to transfer into US-controlled ownership after prolonged political dispute. Negotiators struck the deal following high-level talks in Madrid, with U.S. trade representative Jamieson Greer confirming progress. Treasury secretary Scott Bessent said commercial terms were finalised between "two private parties" and noted that the Chinese delegation had made "aggressive asks". China’s trade envoy Li Chenggang confirmed consensus on the basic framework, called the talks "hard won", and cautioned against what he termed the "suppression" of Chinese companies. The agreement prevents an outright US ban, addresses data-security fears, and follows a 2024 divestment order for ByteDance's US arm.

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