Despite President Trump’s ceremonial signing last month, the long-awaited TikTok US sale continues to stall. While Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent claimed progress following Trump’s meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, the Chinese government has yet to provide formal approval for any proposed deal. Without Beijing’s sign-off, no transaction can proceed.
Trade Tariffs Complicate Negotiations
The holdup appears directly linked to broader US-China trade disputes. China views America’s tariffs on Chinese imports as protectionist measures, and officials have suggested they won’t move forward on TikTok until the Trump administration reduces these trade barriers. Chinese state media emphasized that both nations must demonstrate “equality, respect, and mutual benefit” to resolve ongoing issues. This suggests Beijing is conditioning TikTok approval on American concessions on tariffs and trade restrictions.
Geopolitical Stakes Rise Higher
Reports indicate China may demand more than just trade concessions. Some analysts suggest Beijing could leverage the TikTok negotiations to push for American recognition of China’s sovereignty claims over Taiwan—a position Washington has traditionally opposed. The situation underscores how TikTok has transcended its role as a social media platform to become a critical geopolitical bargaining chip between superpowers.
The current status remains murky, with both governments offering vague statements about continued discussions. Treasury officials claim the deal could be finalized “in the coming weeks and months,” but China’s cautious response suggests otherwise. Ultimately, the ball appears to be in Trump’s court—reducing tariffs could unlock approval, but Beijing seems intent on extracting maximum concessions before proceeding.