Xi Urges Stronger US-China Ties, Calls for End to Unilateral Trade Restrictions
In a significant development for US-China relations, former President Donald Trump announced that a deal involving TikTok has been approved and confirmed his plans to visit China in early 2026. The announcement follows a phone conversation with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Key Highlights from Trump-Xi Call
- Trump confirmed TikTok deal approval via a post on Truth Social.
- He stated plans to meet Xi Jinping at the APEC summit in South Korea later this October.
- A visit to China is scheduled for the early part of next year.
- Xi Jinping is also expected to visit the United States at a “suitable time”.
“The call was a very good one, we will be speaking again by phone. Appreciate the TikTok approval, and both look forward to meeting at APEC!” — Donald Trump on Truth Social.
TikTok Deal: What’s Known So Far
- The agreement allows TikTok to continue operating in the US under a law passed last year addressing data privacy and national security concerns.
- China and the US reportedly reached a consensus on intellectual property rights, including TikTok’s algorithm.
- A US partner will be entrusted with handling user data and content security, though full details of the agreement have not been disclosed.
Xi Jinping Emphasizes Bilateral Cooperation
According to China’s official news agency Xinhua, President Xi:
- Reaffirmed the importance of US-China relations.
- Urged Washington to avoid imposing unilateral trade restrictions.
- Emphasized the need for cooperation in key economic sectors.
Warming Ties After Trade Tensions
The call comes after years of strained relations during Trump’s presidency, marked by:
- The US-China trade war and tariffs on hundreds of billions in goods.
- Concerns over China’s export restrictions on rare earth elements critical for technology and defense.
- Ongoing US pressure on European allies to increase tariffs on China amid the Russia-Ukraine war.
Despite past tensions, Trump praised China during the call, saying he maintains a “very good” relationship with the country.
TikTok’s Political Significance
Trump credited TikTok for its role in helping him connect with voters and boost engagement during his campaigns. His administration had repeatedly extended the deadline for ByteDance, TikTok’s Chinese parent company, to divest its US operations in compliance with national security guidelines.
Conclusion
As both nations navigate complex economic and political dynamics, the approval of the TikTok deal and renewed high-level engagement signals a potential thaw in US-China relations. The upcoming meetings between Trump and Xi could set the tone for a new phase of strategic cooperation in 2026.
