Trump and Xi Set to Seal Historic TikTok Deal This Week
The U.S. and China are preparing to finalize a landmark TikTok agreement that could redefine global tech governance and data sovereignty.
The long-running standoff between Washington and Beijing over TikTok’s future may finally be coming to an end. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed that the two countries have reached a final agreement, paving the way for President Donald Trump and President Xi Jinping to officially sign the deal this Thursday in Korea.
According to Bessent, who spoke on CBS’ Face the Nation, “We reached one in Madrid, and I believe that as of today, all the details are ironed out.” While he declined to disclose the finer points, he added that his mission — securing China’s approval for the transaction — had been accomplished.
This agreement follows months of political tension over data security, algorithmic control, and national ownership of one of the world’s most influential social media platforms. Trump had repeatedly extended the deadline of a law requiring ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, to divest its U.S. operations or face a ban.
Under the finalized deal, TikTok’s U.S. division — including its powerful recommendation algorithm, source code, and moderation systems — will be managed by a new U.S.-based board. Oracle, led by Trump ally Larry Ellison, will handle all security operations. Other investors in the new venture reportedly include Fox Corp, Andreessen Horowitz, and Silver Lake Management, with Fox’s participation confirmed by Trump himself.
In parallel, trade negotiators from both nations also signaled progress on broader U.S.-China trade issues, including tariffs and access to critical materials. U.S. trade representative Jamieson Greer mentioned that rare earth minerals — essential for semiconductor and clean energy manufacturing — were part of the discussions. These minerals have become a flashpoint in the ongoing tech rivalry as China tightens export controls.
Beyond the symbolism of cooperation, the TikTok agreement could shape how digital sovereignty and tech regulation evolve globally, especially in emerging markets where data localization and AI governance debates are gaining traction.
🧠 TechTribe-One Insight
This TikTok deal marks more than a truce between two superpowers — it’s a signal that data governance is now as strategic as oil. For Africa, where social media and short-form content dominate youth engagement, the outcome could inform future data policy frameworks, local platform investments, and cross-border digital standards.