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Key Points
- A confirmation of the deal is expected from Trump and Xi during a call on Saturday AEST.
- The US treasury secretary emphasized that national security is a primary concern for the US.
- China has referred to US security worries as “unilateral bullying” amidst ongoing trade tensions.
Following a meeting with Chinese delegates in Madrid, US treasury secretary Scott Bessent mentioned that the impending 17 September deadline, which might have impacted the app’s operations in the US, motivated Chinese negotiators to reach a possible agreement.
What do we know about the TikTok deal?
“They focus on the app’s Chinese elements, which they see as a soft power asset. Our main concern isn’t these aspects but national security,” Bessent conveyed to the press after concluding two days of discussions in Madrid.
Nonetheless, the Trump administration has consistently avoided enforcing a shutdown, which could alienate the app’s massive user base and disrupt political dialogue. Trump has acknowledged the app’s role in securing his re-election last year, with his personal account boasting 15 million followers. The White House recently launched an official TikTok account.
US treasury secretary Scott Bessent (center) indicated that the US and China have reached an agreement satisfying US interests and security while also being equitable to China. Source: AAP / J.J. Guillen
“A deal was also reached on a “certain” company that young people in our Country very much wanted to save. They will be very happy! I will be speaking to President Xi on Friday. The relationship remains a very strong one!!!” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.
Beyond TikTok, the US has invoked national security reasons to obstruct the transfer of semiconductors and other high-tech products to China, and to prohibit Chinese goods that, according to Washington, could potentially be employed for spying on Americans or gathering intelligence.
