Trump and Xi Reach Deal on TikTok's US Future Amid Ongoing Global Scrutiny

Trump and Xi Discuss Future of TikTok in US US President Donald Trump announced on Friday that he and Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping had approved a deal on the future of TikTok's US operations during a phone call, marking a significant development in the ongoing saga surrounding the popular social media app. According to Trump, who shared details of the conversation on his Truth Social platform, the two leaders "made progress" on trade issues and agreed on a plan for TikTok's US business to be sold to a group of US investors. The deal would reportedly see ByteDance, the Chinese firm that owns TikTok, relinquish control over its US operations. "We had a productive call with President Xi Jinping," Trump wrote. "He welcomed negotiations over TikTok and we made progress on trade issues." However, Beijing's official state news agency Xinhua offered a more nuanced account of the conversation, citing Xi as saying that China "welcomes negotiations over TikTok" but stopping short of confirming any specific agreement. The development comes after months of uncertainty surrounding TikTok's future in the US. In January, Trump issued an executive order requiring ByteDance to sell its US operations or face a ban on operating in the country. However, he has since delayed implementing the ban four times, most recently extending the deadline until December. TikTok, which boasts over 100 million active users in the US, has been at the center of a broader debate about data security and cultural exchange between the two nations. The app's popularity among younger generations has also raised concerns about its potential impact on traditional media and social norms. "This is not just about TikTok; it's about the future of social media and how we engage with each other online," said Dr. Sarah Roberts, a digital culture expert at the University of California, Los Angeles. "The fact that Trump and Xi are discussing this deal suggests that they recognize the significance of this issue." As the Apec summit approaches, where Trump and Xi are set to meet in person, observers will be watching closely for any further developments on the TikTok front. In a statement, a spokesperson for ByteDance said the company was "pleased" with the progress made during the call but declined to comment further on the specifics of the deal. The fate of TikTok's US operations remains uncertain until the details of the proposed sale are finalized. However, one thing is clear: this development marks a significant turning point in the complex and often contentious relationship between the US and China in the digital age. Background TikTok has been at the center of a global controversy surrounding data security and cultural exchange since its acquisition by ByteDance in 2016. The app's popularity among younger generations has raised concerns about its potential impact on traditional media and social norms, while its Chinese ownership has sparked fears about data collection and surveillance. Additional Perspectives Dr. Mark Williams, a digital rights expert at the University of Washington, noted that the proposed sale raises questions about data sovereignty and the role of foreign investors in US tech companies. "This deal is not just about TikTok; it's about the future of data security and who gets to control our online lives," he said. Current Status The fate of TikTok's US operations remains uncertain until the details of the proposed sale are finalized. However, Trump's announcement suggests that a deal may be imminent, with the two leaders set to meet at the Apec summit later this month. *Reporting by Bbc.*