New framework text over fate of wildly popular app is not expected to be revealed until presidents Xi and Trump chat on Friday, but bilateral impact could be significant
Despite its vague wording, the new China-US framework deal on popular video-sharing app TikTok represents an important step in advancing bilateral talks and keeping ties warm ahead of any future meetings between the world’s two largest economies, according to analysts.
And they added that Beijing could potentially try to leverage the TikTok deal by seeking tariff cuts or relief from hi-tech export controls.
Officials from both powers confirmed after negotiations in Madrid, Spain, on Sunday and Monday that they had agreed on a framework for resolving TikTok-related issues that date back to US President Donald Trump’s first term in office, five years ago.
Negotiators have not publicised the framework text over TikTok, but the Chinese side said it maintains the right to review and approve matters concerning technology exports, intellectual property rights, and licensing agreements related to TikTok, a popular Chinese app that has well over 100 million users in America.
