China Sticks to Position on TikTok’s U.S. Future After Trump Call

China stuck to its stance on the future of TikTok in the U.S. a day after President Donald Trump said a deal to shift the short video app to U.S.-controlled ownership was progressing, Joe Cash and Ella Cao reported for Reuters.

Progress on TikTok’s future—which affects 170 million U.S. users—is seen as key to unlocking concessions in other areas, from airplanes to soybeans. (Photo: Solen Feyissa Flickr) 

“China’s position on TikTok is clear: The Chinese government respects the wishes of the enterprise and welcomes it to carry out commercial negotiations in accordance with market rules to reach a solution compliant with China’s laws and regulations, and strikes a balance of interests,” China’s Commerce Ministry said in a statement, reiterating a stance it has maintained over the past week.

Key questions remain about the potential U.S.-China deal after Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping held a call recently.

These include the precise ownership structure of TikTok, how much control China will retain over the app’s operations, and what Beijing expects in return for allowing the U.S. to take control of one of its most successful companies.

Progress on TikTok’s future—which affects 170 million U.S. users—is seen as key to unlocking concessions in other areas, from airplanes to soybeans, as the world’s two largest economies chart a path beyond their current tariff truce.

“It is hoped that the U.S. side will work toward the same goal as China, earnestly fulfill its corresponding commitments, and provide an open, fair, equitable, and non-discriminatory business environment for the continued operation of Chinese enterprises in the U.S., including TikTok,” the Commerce Ministry statement added.