US, China reach framework agreement to keep TikTok running

A deal has been reached between the United States and China to allow TikTok to continue operating in the US, President Donald Trump stated. The announcement comes after months of uncertainty over the platform’s future amid national security concerns raised by US lawmakers.

“We have a deal on TikTok, I've reached a deal with China, I'm going to speak to President Xi on September 19 to confirm everything up,” Trump told reporters as he departed the White House for a state visit to the United Kingdom, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

TikTok, owned by Chinese tech giant ByteDance, was previously ordered to divest its US operations or face a ban. Although the ban was first announced in January, Trump has repeatedly delayed its enforcement. The president now says a buyer will be announced soon.

The agreement will involve both existing and new investors, and is expected to close within 30 to 45 days. It also noted that US technology firm Oracle will maintain its current contract to host TikTok’s US servers, addressing one of lawmakers’ key concerns over data privacy and national security.

In a related development, a US trade delegation in Madrid said it had reached a “framework” agreement with China amid broader trade talks. While confirming the framework, Chinese officials emphasized that no deal would come at the cost of their companies’ interests.

Wang Jingtao, deputy head of China’s cyberspace administration, stated: “The Chinese government will, according to law, examine and approve relevant matters involving TikTok, such as the export of technology as well as the license use of intellectual property.”

Trump, who had initially pushed for a full ban on TikTok during his first term, has since softened his stance. The latest extension of the ban is set to expire on September 17.

By Vafa Guliyeva