Trump and Xi to Forge New Path: TikTok Deal Finalized Ahead of South Korea Summit

Wed Oct 15 2025 19:50:10 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

In a significant diplomatic move, President Trump has announced a meeting with Chinese Premier Xi Jinping in South Korea next month, coinciding with the approval of a deal regarding TikTok's U.S. operations. This collaboration aims to reshape economic ties and address growing concerns over data security.

President Trump plans to meet with Xi Jinping in South Korea next month, following a fruitful phone call that resulted in significant approval of a deal concerning TikTok's operations in the U.S. Despite previous threats to ban the app, negotiations with American firms will allow TikTok to continue operating under licensed algorithms. The outcome of this development may ease tensions and set the stage for future trade discussions.

US President Donald Trump has announced plans to meet with Chinese Premier Xi Jinping in South Korea next month after a productive phone call in which Xi also approved a deal giving control over TikTok's US operations.

Trump shared via Truth Social that the call was productive and expressed appreciation for the approval, which comes after multiple delays regarding a potential ban on TikTok. Currently, Trump has extended the deadline for any ban to December.

The deal involving TikTok, owned by Chinese firm ByteDance, reportedly includes a collaboration with a group of US firms—likely including Oracle—to ensure continued operations in the US involving licensed technology from ByteDance.

Amidst ongoing trade discussions, Trump stated the two leaders made significant progress and would meet at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit slated for late October in South Korea. The meeting would subsequently be followed by visits to China and the US.

Xinhua reported that China holds a clear stance regarding TikTok, encouraging continuous negotiations between US and Chinese firms while adhering to mutual interests and regulations.

During a joint appearance with UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, Trump emphasized TikTok's value, expressing confidence in the investors backing the platform and their ability to manage it effectively with China's involvement.

However, U.S. lawmakers have expressed apprehension about this decision due to ByteDance's connections with the Chinese Communist Party, fearing potential influence or control despite the new deal.

After instituting a law in early 2024 banning TikTok unless ByteDance divested its US operations, the Supreme Court upheld the action, but the app's ban was briefly suspended to allow further negotiations.

While Trump once advocated for TikTok's prohibition during his tenure, he has now recognized it as pivotal to his 2024 re-election campaign, highlighting both the shifting political landscapes and economic repercussions stemming from these digital platforms.