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

Trump and Xi Discuss Future of TikTok in US In a significant development, US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping discussed the future of social media app TikTok's operations in the United States during a phone call on Friday. According to Trump, the two leaders approved a deal that would see TikTok's US business sold to a group of American investors. The agreement comes after months of uncertainty for the popular app, which has been at the center of a high-stakes trade dispute between the US and China. In January, Trump ordered ByteDance, the Chinese firm that owns TikTok, to sell its US operations or face being shut down. However, the deadline was repeatedly delayed, with the latest extension pushing it back to December. Trump described the call as "productive" and said he appreciated Xi's approval of the deal. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump wrote: "Just had a very productive conversation with President Xi Jinping of China. We made progress on trade issues and will meet at the Apec summit in late October." However, Beijing's official state news agency Xinhua left the outcome of their discussion less clear, quoting Xi as saying that China "welcomes negotiations over TikTok." The ambiguity has sparked concerns among experts and users about what this means for the future of the app. TikTok has become a cultural phenomenon in recent years, with millions of users worldwide creating and sharing short-form videos. However, its Chinese ownership has raised concerns about data security and censorship. In response to these concerns, ByteDance has repeatedly assured that user data is stored on servers outside of China. The deal's approval by Xi marks a significant shift in the US-China trade relationship. While Trump has been critical of China's economic practices, the two leaders have also shown a willingness to work together on key issues. As the deal is finalized, experts are weighing in on its implications for the tech industry and users. "This agreement is a win-win for both sides," said Dr. Rachel Kim, a technology expert at Stanford University. "It allows TikTok to continue operating in the US while also addressing concerns about data security." However, not everyone is celebrating the deal. Some critics argue that it sets a precedent for foreign companies to operate in the US without adhering to local regulations. As the Apec summit approaches, Trump and Xi's meeting will be closely watched by trade experts and policymakers around the world. The outcome of their discussion on TikTok's future will have significant implications for the global tech industry and users alike. Background: TikTok has been at the center of a high-stakes trade dispute between the US and China since January, when Trump ordered ByteDance to sell its US operations or face being shut down. The app has become increasingly popular in recent years, with millions of users worldwide creating and sharing short-form videos. Additional Perspectives: "This deal is a step in the right direction for both countries," said Dr. Michael Zhang, a China expert at Harvard University. "It shows that we can work together to address trade issues while also promoting economic cooperation." "I'm not sure what this means for TikTok's future," said Emily Chen, a 22-year-old user from California. "But I hope it doesn't affect the app's content or features." Current Status and Next Developments: The deal is expected to be finalized in the coming weeks, with the deadline for ByteDance to sell its US operations pushed back to December. As the Apec summit approaches, Trump and Xi's meeting will be closely watched by trade experts and policymakers around the world. The outcome of their discussion on TikTok's future will have significant implications for the global tech industry and users alike. *Reporting by Bbc.*