US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke by phone on Friday. The conversation focused on the future of TikTok and ongoing trade negotiations. This was their first talk since June and their second since Trump began his second term in January. Meanwhile, Chinese state media CCTV and Xinhua confirmed the call had started, highlighting its significance.

TikTok’s Future Under Review

The US has threatened to ban TikTok over national security concerns. As a result, TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, faces pressure to sell its US operations to American investors.

So far, Trump has delayed the ban several times to give room for negotiations. On Thursday, speaking to Fox News, he confirmed, “We’re very close to deals on all of it. And my relationship with China is very good.”

Furthermore, Trump stated he would directly discuss TikTok and trade with Xi during the call.

Earlier this year, Xi invited Trump to visit China. In return, Trump extended an invitation to Xi to visit the US. However, no travel dates have been set. Analysts now expect Xi to repeat the offer during their latest conversation.

Additionally, Trump expressed optimism about finalizing a TikTok deal soon. He revealed, “TikTok’s US business would be owned by all American investors, and very rich people and companies.”

According to Trump, TikTok has boosted his popularity among young voters, which he believes helped him win the 2024 election.

Meanwhile, The Wall Street Journal reported that Oracle, along with two investment firms — Silver Lake and Andreessen Horowitz — may form a consortium to control TikTok’s US operations.

Trade Talks Intensify

Both nations have been locked in a tariff battle. Earlier this year, they raised tariffs sharply on each other’s goods, which disrupted global supply chains.

Eventually, Washington and Beijing agreed on a temporary deal to reduce tensions. Under this agreement, the US imposed 30% tariffs on Chinese imports, while China applied 10% tariffs on US products.

However, this deal expires in November, increasing the urgency of Friday’s talks.

Commenting on the negotiations, Ali Wyne of the International Crisis Group noted, “Each leader will aim to signal that he has outmaneuvered the other.”

Xi’s Global Moves

Recently, Xi hosted a major summit in Beijing. During the event, he met Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Moreover, he invited North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to attend a massive military parade.

In response, Trump posted sharply on Truth Social, saying, “Please give my warmest regards to Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un as you conspire against the United States of America.”

Furthermore, Trump criticized India for purchasing Russian oil and imposed punitive tariffs on its imports.

Additionally, he urged European countries to sanction China for buying Russian oil, even though Washington itself has not sanctioned Beijing.

Speaking to Fox News, Trump emphasized, “If they did that on China, I think the war (in Ukraine) would maybe end.”