United States and China Reach Agreement on TikTok

• TikTok to shift to US control
• Trump and Xi to finalize deal
• ByteDance yields US branch

According to EFE, the United States and China have taken a crucial step regarding the future of TikTok.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed on Monday that both powers reached an agreement for the US subsidiary of the popular social network to come under American control.

The announcement marks a major shift in the ongoing technological and geopolitical battle between Washington and Beijing, centered for months on the app most widely used by young people worldwide.

Bessent clarified that the framework of the agreement is already in place, but Presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping must still ratify it in a scheduled call on Friday.

Trump Previews TikTok Deal That Will “Delight” Young People

“Washington reaches an agreement with Beijing for TikTok’s U.S. branch to come under American control. https://t.co/oKLkuSPiYG

— Agencia NDS (@agenciaNDS) September 15, 2025

“The framework of the agreement is that TikTok transitions to U.S.-controlled ownership, but that will have to be confirmed by the leaders,” said the Treasury Secretary.

“We provide a framework; they will have to confirm the deal,” he added, insisting he would not disclose commercial details because they are “between two private parties.”

The statements were made in Madrid, outside the Palacio de Santa Cruz, headquarters of Spain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where the US delegation met with Chinese representatives.

The announcement coincided with a post by Trump on his Truth Social platform, where he hinted the deal would “delight” young Americans.

ByteDance Pressured by September Deadline

The president had set a deadline of September 17 for ByteDance, TikTok’s Chinese parent company, to hand over its U.S. subsidiary to local ownership.

Trump justified the move by citing national security concerns, arguing that Beijing could access sensitive data from millions of citizens.

Pressure from the White House led to weeks of intense negotiations between both sides, which now appear to have paid off.

According to Bessent and Jamieson Greer, U.S. Trade Representative, the deal was made possible through President Trump’s personal involvement.

TikTok US Control Deal and Tariff Negotiations

Officials emphasized that the respectful relationship between Trump and Xi Jinping was crucial in facilitating talks.

“When they respect each other, the delegations respect each other as well,” Bessent said, summarizing the negotiation climate.

The TikTok agreement is not the only issue in bilateral relations.

In parallel, both powers continue tariff negotiations, which Greer said will advance into a fifth round of talks within a month.

Political and Technological Impact of the Agreement

The location of the next meeting has yet to be determined, but it is expected to once again bring together top officials from both countries.

For Washington, ensuring TikTok US control represents a political victory on the eve of an election year marked by technological tensions.

The Trump administration has maintained that Chinese platforms pose risks to the privacy and security of American citizens.

ByteDance’s decision to cede control reflects its need to keep TikTok operational in one of its most profitable markets.