China's Xi: Talks were positive, constructive || China-US relations very important || China's position on TikTok is clear || Chinese govt respects wishes of firms - Xinhua

China's Xi: Talks were positive, constructive || China-US relations very important || China's position on TikTok is clear || Chinese govt respects wishes of firms - Xinhua

September 12, 2025

In a significant development, U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping held a constructive phone conversation on Friday, focusing on the future of the popular social media app TikTok in the U.S. and broader trade relations between the two economic giants. The talks, which were the first direct engagement since June, were reported by Reuters and Chinese state broadcaster CCTV .

The conversation came at a crucial juncture, as the U.S. had been seeking a solution to keep TikTok operational in the country while addressing national security concerns. The U.S. had previously ordered the app shut down for U.S. users by January 2025 if its U.S. assets weren't sold by Chinese owner ByteDance .

According to the U.S. officials, the deal would transfer TikTok's U.S. assets to U.S. owners from ByteDance, with the app continuing to use ByteDance's algorithm. This arrangement has raised concerns among lawmakers who worry about potential Chinese spying or influence operations through the app .

Chinese officials, however, have maintained that there is no evidence of a national security threat posed by TikTok. In a recent editorial, China's Cyberspace Administration stated that the two sides had reached a basic consensus that includes licensing ByteDance algorithms and other intellectual property rights to the U.S. business, and setting up secure oversight of U.S. user data and content .

The talks also covered a broader range of trade issues, including competition in advanced technologies, Chinese purchases of U.S.-harvested soybeans and Boeing airplanes, and the export of fentanyl-related chemicals. The U.S. is demanding that China crack down on the export of these chemicals, which are a major cause of U.S. overdose deaths .

The conversation was a positive sign for China-U.S. relations, which have been strained due to various trade disputes and geopolitical tensions. The talks are expected to continue, with Trump and Xi Jinping set to discuss the final details of the TikTok deal and other trade issues .