U.S. and China Reach TikTok Sale Framework Agreement

On September 15, 2025, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced in Madrid, Spain, that the U.S. and China have reached a preliminary framework agreement regarding TikTok’s ownership, paving the way for the app’s continued operation in the United States.

The agreement came after two days of trade negotiations and aims to address national security and data privacy concerns surrounding TikTok. Under the deal, TikTok will transition to a U.S.-controlled ownership structure, avoiding a full ban initially set to take effect on September 17.

U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer stated that the agreement may allow a short-term delay to finalize the ownership transfer. Bessent emphasized that without the framework agreement, such a delay would be impossible.

Chinese Vice Minister of Commerce Li Chenggang said that both sides reached a basic consensus on resolving TikTok issues through cooperation, stressing that China will firmly protect national interests and the legal rights of its companies. U.S. President Donald Trump tweeted that he will speak with Chinese President Xi Jinping on September 19, calling the talks “progressing smoothly.”

Although the preliminary agreement has been reached, further negotiations are needed to determine TikTok’s final U.S. ownership structure and operational model. More trade and economic policy discussions are expected in the coming days.