In a weekend bombshell, ByteDance announced it will keep TikTok’s U.S. platform alive and kicking, fully compliant with Chinese law and ready to serve American fans. 📱💥
The move follows a phone call on Friday evening between Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump. Xi highlighted the crucial role of China-U.S. ties, saying both countries can support each other’s success and bring benefits to the world. He emphasized that the Chinese government respects ByteDance’s wishes and looks forward to market-based negotiations that respect laws and serve mutual interests. 🤝🌐
U.S. President Trump also shared his vision: a long-term, big and great partnership with China. He pledged to work on trade, economy and world peace, and he said teams from both sides are in talks to find a proper deal on TikTok. ✨🤞
Before the call, Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng met with U.S. officials in Madrid on September 14 and 15. They tackled hot topics like unilateral tariffs, export controls and the future of TikTok, with the short-form video app emerging as a key talking point.
China’s Ministry of Commerce later posted a statement announcing a basic framework consensus. It covers entrusted operation of TikTok’s U.S. user data, content security measures and licensing of algorithms and intellectual property. 🔒🔄
At a press briefing, Wang Jingtao from the Cyberspace Administration of China confirmed the outline: entrusted data operations, strict content controls and clear licensing deals on TikTok’s tech and algorithms.
The Chinese government will now review relevant tech export and licensing applications, all under existing laws and regulations.
Since its U.S. debut, TikTok has built a massive, engaged audience and boosted jobs and consumer spending. All U.S. user data stays on American soil, with backups in Singapore.
The app has weathered forced sale pressures under the first Trump administration, potential bans from Congress under the Biden administration and renewed demands for ownership changes. These moves highlight how tech has become entwined with politics.
Li Chenggang, China’s international trade representative, reaffirmed Beijing’s stance against politicizing technology and economic issues. He stressed that any agreement must protect principles, company interests and global fairness. Both sides value a stable China-U.S. trade relationship and will keep the dialogue going until final approvals are in place.
Stay tuned for more TikTok updates and what this means for creators, brands and users across the globe! 🌍✨
Reference(s):
What you need to know about TikTok after the China-U.S. phone call
cgtn.com
