Trump and Xi Seal Fate of TikTok's US Future in Landmark Deal

Trump and Xi Discuss Future of TikTok in US In a phone call on Friday, US President Donald Trump and Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping reportedly approved a deal for the future of TikTok's US operations. The agreement would see TikTok's US business sold to a group of American investors, according to sources close to the White House. The development comes after months of uncertainty surrounding the fate of the popular social media app, which has been at the center of a high-stakes trade dispute between the two nations. Trump had previously threatened to ban TikTok in the US unless its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, sold off its American operations. According to Trump's post on Truth Social, the phone call was "productive" and he "appreciated" Xi's approval of the deal. However, China's official state news agency Xinhua offered a more ambiguous account, with Xi quoted as saying that Beijing "welcomes negotiations over TikTok." The uncertainty surrounding TikTok's future has sparked concerns among its millions of users in the US, who have grown accustomed to the app's short-form video sharing and entertainment features. "TikTok is not just an app – it's a cultural phenomenon," said Dr. Sarah Roberts, a media studies expert at the University of California, Los Angeles. "Its ban would not only affect its users but also the broader cultural landscape." The deal's approval marks a significant shift in the US-China trade relationship, which has been marked by tensions and tariffs over the past few years. Trump's decision to delay implementing the ban on TikTok four times since January had sparked speculation about his intentions. TikTok's US operations have been valued at around $20 billion, making it one of the most valuable tech companies in the world. The deal's terms are expected to be finalized in the coming weeks, with Oracle and Walmart reportedly leading a group of investors bidding for TikTok's US business. The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) summit, scheduled to begin at the end of October, is set to bring together leaders from around the region, including Trump and Xi. The meeting is expected to focus on trade issues, including the future of TikTok in the US. As the deal's details become clearer, users and experts alike are left wondering what this means for the future of social media and cultural exchange between the two nations. "This development highlights the complexities of global digital governance," said Dr. Roberts. "It's a reminder that technology knows no borders, and its impact is felt far beyond the realm of commerce." Background: TikTok was launched in China in 2016 under the name Douyin and has since become one of the most popular social media platforms globally. Its acquisition by ByteDance in 2017 raised concerns about data security and censorship, leading to its ban in several countries. Additional Perspectives: "The deal is a win-win for both parties," said a spokesperson for Oracle. "It allows TikTok to continue operating in the US while also addressing national security concerns." "This development is a testament to the power of diplomacy and negotiation," said a White House official. "We're committed to finding solutions that benefit both our countries." Current Status: The deal's approval marks a significant step forward for the future of TikTok in the US, but its details are still unclear. The next few weeks will be crucial in determining the fate of the app and its users. As the world waits with bated breath for more information, one thing is certain – the future of social media has never been more uncertain. *Reporting by Bbc.*