US and China Discuss TikTok Deal Ahead of APEC Summit

U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping have agreed to meet in person at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Gyeongju, South Korea, scheduled for October 31 to November 1, 2025. The announcement follows a phone call between the two leaders on Friday, during which they discussed a range of contentious issues, including the future of TikTok's U.S. operations, trade relations, and ongoing global security concerns.

TikTok Deal and National Security Concerns

During their conversation, Trump and Xi reportedly made progress on a deal that would allow TikTok to continue operating in the United States under new ownership arrangements. According to statements from both sides, the proposed agreement would see a consortium of American companies take an 80% stake in a newly created TikTok U.S. entity, with Chinese shareholders retaining about 20%. Oracle would be responsible for safeguarding American user data, and a majority-American board would oversee the new company. The app's core algorithm would be licensed from ByteDance, TikTok's Chinese parent company, raising ongoing concerns among U.S. lawmakers about potential Chinese government influence and data security. Critics argue that the arrangement may not fully address national security risks, as the algorithm's oversight and data access protocols remain unclear.

Diplomatic Implications and APEC Summit

The planned meeting at the APEC summit will mark the first in-person encounter between Trump and Xi since 2019 and is expected to draw significant international attention. Both leaders have expressed optimism about the dialogue, with Trump indicating that further discussions are planned, including reciprocal state visits in 2026. The summit's venue, Gyeongju, is notable for its historical significance and modern infrastructure, symbolizing both tradition and progress in South Korea's diplomatic role. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung's administration is preparing for the high-profile event as part of its broader strategy to balance relations with both the United States and China.

Broader U.S.-China Relations and Trade

Beyond the TikTok negotiations, the Trump-Xi call addressed broader issues such as trade policy, the war in Ukraine, and the fentanyl crisis. Xi emphasized the need for the United States to avoid unilateral trade restrictions and to provide a fair environment for Chinese investment. Both sides described the conversation as pragmatic and constructive, signaling a potential thaw in bilateral tensions. The outcome of the APEC summit and the TikTok deal could have far-reaching implications for global technology governance, economic relations, and digital security standards.