Trump Says Xi Approves Deal to Keep TikTok Operating in US
In a surprise move, US President Donald Trump announced on Friday that Chinese President Xi Jinping had approved a deal to keep the popular short-video app TikTok operational in the United States. The agreement comes after months of tension between Washington and Beijing over concerns about data security and Chinese ownership.
According to Trump, who spoke with reporters in the Oval Office, Xi "approved the TikTok deal," adding that it was only a "formality" before an agreement could be signed. Trump also stated that the US would have "very tight control" over the app, citing its value and his own personal experience using it.
"We're going to have a very, very tight control," Trump said. "There's tremendous value with TikTok, and I'm a little prejudiced because I frankly did so well on it."
The deal marks a significant shift in the US government's stance on TikTok, which had been facing a looming ban due to concerns over data security and Chinese ownership. In August, a federal judge blocked a Trump administration order that would have forced ByteDance, TikTok's parent company, to sell its US assets.
TikTok has become increasingly popular among young Americans, with over 100 million users in the country. However, concerns about data security and censorship have raised questions about the app's suitability for use by American citizens.
The agreement is seen as a victory for ByteDance, which had been working to address US concerns over data security and Chinese ownership. In June, the company announced that it would create a new entity, TikTok Global, to oversee its operations in the US.
While the deal provides some clarity on the future of TikTok in the US, many questions remain unanswered. How will the US government ensure "tight control" over the app? What concessions did ByteDance make to address US concerns?
As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the fate of TikTok in the US has significant implications for the tech industry and American consumers.
Background
The US government's concerns about TikTok date back to 2020, when lawmakers began raising questions about data security and Chinese ownership. In August 2020, Trump signed an executive order that would have forced ByteDance to sell its US assets within 90 days. However, a federal judge blocked the order in October 2020.
Additional Perspectives
Industry experts say that the deal marks a significant shift in the US government's stance on TikTok. "This is a major victory for ByteDance and a recognition by the US government that TikTok has value," said one expert. "However, many questions remain unanswered about how the US will ensure 'tight control' over the app."
Current Status
The deal between Trump and Xi marks a significant development in the ongoing saga of TikTok's future in the US. While the agreement provides some clarity on the situation, many questions remain unanswered. As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the fate of TikTok in the US has significant implications for the tech industry and American consumers.
Next Developments
In the coming weeks and months, expect further developments on the deal between Trump and Xi. How will the US government ensure "tight control" over the app? What concessions did ByteDance make to address US concerns? As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the fate of TikTok in the US has significant implications for the tech industry and American consumers.
*Reporting by Dw.*
