After Trump–Xi meeting, China says it will work with U.S. on TikTok; no ownership deal yet
After the Trump–Xi meeting, China’s Commerce Ministry said it would work with the U.S. to resolve TikTok-related issues but provided no details and said no ownership agreement was reached. That statement contrasts with U.S. reports — including Trump saying Xi approved a proposed U.S. ownership deal, the White House suggesting the transaction could be finalized in South Korea, and earlier plans for Oracle to manage TikTok’s U.S. algorithm — as negotiations continue under U.S. divestiture requirements.
📌 Key Facts
- On Sept. 25, 2025, President Trump said China’s President Xi had approved a proposed deal to place TikTok under U.S. ownership; separate reporting says Trump has formally approved a sale to U.S. investors reportedly valued in the billions.
- The proposal represents a shift beyond prior plans for U.S. algorithm oversight (e.g., Oracle) toward a full ownership transfer to U.S. investors.
- The White House said on Oct. 29, 2025 that the ownership deal could be finalized in South Korea, signaling an imminent milestone and continued federal engagement.
- On Oct. 30, 2025, China’s Commerce Ministry said after the Trump–Xi meeting that it will work with the U.S. to resolve TikTok-related issues but provided no details and stated no ownership agreement was reached at the meeting.
- U.S. law requires TikTok to divest from ByteDance; Trump executive orders have extended divestment deadlines while negotiations continue.
- Status: negotiations are ongoing — reports of U.S. and Chinese approvals and a possible near-term finalization contrast with China’s statement that no ownership deal was reached.
📰 Source Timeline (5)
Follow how coverage of this story developed over time
October 30, 2025
2:28 PM
China says it will work with US to resolve issues related to TikTok
New information:
- China’s Commerce Ministry said after the Trump–Xi meeting that it will work with the U.S. to resolve TikTok issues but provided no details.
- No agreement on TikTok’s ownership was reached at the meeting, contrary to prior signals a deal might be finalized.
- Context reiterated that U.S. law requires TikTok to divest from ByteDance; Trump executive orders have extended deadlines while negotiations continue.
October 29, 2025
4:06 PM
White House says deal to put TikTok under US ownership could be finalized in South Korea
New information:
- White House says the ownership deal to place TikTok under U.S. ownership could be finalized in South Korea.
- Signals an imminent milestone beyond prior reports of U.S. approval and algorithm oversight.
- Indicates ongoing federal engagement as the transaction moves toward completion.
September 25, 2025
11:24 PM
TikTok sale to US investors OK’d by Trump in deal valued in billions
New information:
- President Donald Trump has formally approved a sale of TikTok to U.S. investors.
- The transaction is described as being valued in the billions of dollars.
- This moves beyond prior reports of Oracle overseeing the U.S. algorithm to an ownership transfer to U.S. investors.
8:43 PM
Trump says China’s Xi has approved of proposed deal putting TikTok under US ownership
New information:
- Trump says China’s President Xi has approved a proposed deal to place TikTok under U.S. ownership.
- The statement indicates movement beyond algorithm management toward a broader ownership shift.
- The development was disclosed on Sept. 25, 2025.
September 22, 2025