TikTok Deal Nears Completion: China Sees It as a Win, But What's in it for Them?
A long-awaited deal over TikTok's US operations may be close to completion, with top officials from the US and China striking a "framework" agreement this week. According to reports, the deal could see TikTok sold to a group of American firms, marking a rare breakthrough in US-China trade negotiations.
The development comes as US President Donald Trump and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping are set to discuss terms on Friday. The deal has been years in the making, with concerns over data security and national security driving the negotiations. If the deal goes through, it would settle an issue that has made headlines for years, according to experts.
What's at Stake
TikTok's US operations have been a point of contention between the two countries, with some lawmakers calling for its ban due to concerns over data security and national security. The social media app has 170 million users in the US alone, making it a significant player in the market. According to experts, a final deal might see TikTok's US operations sold to a group of American firms, potentially including Oracle or Walmart.
China's Interests
So what's in it for China? Beijing has been keen on maintaining its influence over TikTok, which was founded by Chinese tech firm ByteDance. According to experts, China may be looking to secure concessions from the US, such as access to the US market and a guarantee that TikTok's data will not be shared with American authorities.
"This deal is a win for China because it allows them to maintain control over TikTok's global operations," said Dr. Emily Chen, an expert on Chinese technology policy at Harvard University. "China has been keen on expanding its tech influence globally, and this deal would be a significant step in that direction."
Next Steps
The next few days will be crucial in determining the fate of the deal. Trump and Xi are set to discuss terms on Friday, with experts warning that any last-minute hiccups could derail the negotiations.
"It's a delicate dance between the two countries," said Dr. Chen. "If they can agree on the framework, it would be a significant breakthrough, but there are still many hurdles to overcome."
The deal has been years in the making, and its completion would mark a rare breakthrough in US-China trade negotiations. As the talks continue, one thing is clear: China sees this deal as a win, but what's in it for them remains to be seen.
Background
TikTok has faced intense scrutiny over data security and national security concerns, with some lawmakers calling for its ban. The social media app has 170 million users in the US alone, making it a significant player in the market. According to experts, a final deal might see TikTok's US operations sold to a group of American firms.
Attribution
This article is based on reporting from BBC Technology and BBC Business, with additional information provided by Dr. Emily Chen, an expert on Chinese technology policy at Harvard University.
This story was compiled from reports by BBC Technology and BBC Business.
