Trump and Xi Make Progress on TikTok Deal Ahead of South Korea Meeting – September 2025

Trump and Xi Make Progress on TikTok Deal Ahead of South Korea Meeting

On September 19, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping held a crucial phone call focused on the future of TikTok and broader U.S.-China trade relations. Following the call, Trump announced plans to meet Xi during the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Gyeongju, South Korea, scheduled for October 31 to November 1. The upcoming meeting is being viewed as a potential turning point in easing tensions between the two powers.

TikTok, with nearly 170 million users in the United States, has been at the center of national security debates for years. Washington has warned that unless ByteDance, TikTok’s Chinese parent company, transfers control of U.S. operations and ensures American oversight of data and algorithms, the app could face restrictions or even a nationwide ban. Trump confirmed that “progress” had been made toward a deal, with a preliminary framework already established, though a final agreement has not yet been reached.

The South Korea summit is expected to provide the first in-person opportunity for Trump and Xi to move these discussions forward. Beyond TikTok, the two leaders are also expected to address wider strategic concerns, including trade balances, technology transfers, data security, and geopolitical tensions surrounding Taiwan and Ukraine. Trump further stated that he plans to visit China early next year, while Xi is expected to make a return trip to the United States at an appropriate time, signaling a broader attempt to stabilize relations.

Beijing has emphasized that any resolution on TikTok must respect “market principles and Chinese laws,” stressing the importance of balance in negotiations to prevent worsening tensions. The progress on this issue not only reflects efforts to reduce friction in bilateral ties but also carries wider global implications, as countries in Europe and Asia closely watch how the United States and China manage technology governance and digital security.

As of September 20, the situation highlights cautious optimism: while no final deal has been sealed, diplomatic engagement has opened a constructive path forward. The APEC summit in South Korea will likely determine TikTok’s future in the U.S. market while also setting a precedent for how the world’s two largest economies handle disputes at the intersection of technology, trade, and security.