Trump and Xi to discuss TikTok deal as trade disputes strain U.S. and China relations
TOI World Desk | TOI Global Desk | Sep 19, 2025, 20:40 IST
President Trump will speak with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday to finalize a deal that could keep TikTok operating in the U.S. The call, focused on TikTok and broader trade disputes, comes amid escalating tariffs and collapsing farm exports. Both sides signaled progress on data security and intellectual property, but key issues remain unresolved. The discussion may determine TikTok’s future and set the stage for a possible Trump-Xi summit.
President Donald Trump is set to hold a phone call with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday to finalize a deal that could allow TikTok to continue operating in the United States. The conversation is expected to provide insight into whether the two leaders will meet in person to address broader trade disputes or not and will also show the state of the U.S. and China relations.
This marks their second direct conversation since Trump’s return to the White House. Donald Trump’s administration has imposed high tariffs on Chinese goods, sparking retaliatory measures and straining ties between the two largest economies of the world. While tensions remain, Trump has signaled a willingness to negotiate, particularly over TikTok, which faces a U.S. ban unless its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, gives up control over the company.
Trump announced on Thursday that TikTok and trade talks will be central ideas to Friday’s call, noting, “We’re very close to deals on all of it.” He mentioned his “very good” relationship with Xi but tied global trade issues to Russia’s war in Ukraine, suggesting European tariffs on China could pressure Moscow.
Although Chinese officials have not confirmed the call but acknowledged the importance of direct leader-to-leader engagement. Liu Pengyu, spokesperson for China’s embassy in Washington, said such diplomacy “provides strategic guidance for China-U.S. relations.”
The U.S. government has long raised national security concerns about ByteDance, citing Chinese laws that compel companies to share data with Beijing. Lawmakers have stressed that TikTok’s algorithm and user data must be under American control.
China announced this week that both sides had reached consensus on handling intellectual property, including TikTok’s algorithm, and agreed on entrusting a partner with managing U.S. user data and security. Still, final approval rests with Trump and Xi.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed earlier trade meetings in Madrid had produced a framework for TikTok’s ownership, but Friday’s discussion is expected to determine whether a final deal is achievable.
Intense tariffs and export controls have been applied by the Trump administration, impacting farmers and businesses across the U.S. Agricultural exports to China. U.S. and China agriculture exports fell by more than half in the first seven months of 2025 compared to last year. Soybean and sorghum growers have been hit especially hard, with near-total collapses in some markets.
Farm groups say they are anxiously watching the talks. “There’s still time, and it’s encouraging that the two countries continue to talk,” said Josh Gackle, chair of the American Soybean Association. “But frustration is growing.”
Some say Trump will likely try to project U.S. dominance in trade negotiations, while Xi will try to highlight China’s economic leverage and push for easing tariffs and sanctions.While progress has been made on TikTok and some trade issues, disputes still remain unresolved, like Chinese purchases of U.S. farm goods, technology export restrictions, and etc. Friday’s call could set the stage for a possible Trump-Xi summit, though neither side has formally confirmed one.
This marks their second direct conversation since Trump’s return to the White House. Donald Trump’s administration has imposed high tariffs on Chinese goods, sparking retaliatory measures and straining ties between the two largest economies of the world. While tensions remain, Trump has signaled a willingness to negotiate, particularly over TikTok, which faces a U.S. ban unless its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, gives up control over the company.
Trump announced on Thursday that TikTok and trade talks will be central ideas to Friday’s call, noting, “We’re very close to deals on all of it.” He mentioned his “very good” relationship with Xi but tied global trade issues to Russia’s war in Ukraine, suggesting European tariffs on China could pressure Moscow.
Although Chinese officials have not confirmed the call but acknowledged the importance of direct leader-to-leader engagement. Liu Pengyu, spokesperson for China’s embassy in Washington, said such diplomacy “provides strategic guidance for China-U.S. relations.”
TikTok’s Future
China announced this week that both sides had reached consensus on handling intellectual property, including TikTok’s algorithm, and agreed on entrusting a partner with managing U.S. user data and security. Still, final approval rests with Trump and Xi.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed earlier trade meetings in Madrid had produced a framework for TikTok’s ownership, but Friday’s discussion is expected to determine whether a final deal is achievable.
Trade War Fall
Farm groups say they are anxiously watching the talks. “There’s still time, and it’s encouraging that the two countries continue to talk,” said Josh Gackle, chair of the American Soybean Association. “But frustration is growing.”
Some say Trump will likely try to project U.S. dominance in trade negotiations, while Xi will try to highlight China’s economic leverage and push for easing tariffs and sanctions.While progress has been made on TikTok and some trade issues, disputes still remain unresolved, like Chinese purchases of U.S. farm goods, technology export restrictions, and etc. Friday’s call could set the stage for a possible Trump-Xi summit, though neither side has formally confirmed one.