China and the U.S. Agree on Framework for Collaborative Resolution of TikTok Issue

On the evening of September 15 in Madrid, Li Chenggang, Vice Minister of Commerce and China’s chief international trade negotiator, announced that Beijing and Washington had reached a basic framework consensus on resolving the TikTok question through cooperative mechanisms, lowering investment barriers, and advancing bilateral economic and trade collaboration.

Between September 14 and 15, economic and trade delegations from China’s Ministry of Commerce and their U.S. counterparts met in Spain’s capital. At a press briefing concluding the talks, Li Chenggang noted that both sides diligently implemented the key outcomes of the recent leaders’ phone call, leveraged the existing economic and trade consultation mechanism, and engaged in candid, in-depth, and constructive discussions on issues of mutual concern—most notably TikTok—grounded in mutual respect and equal consultation.

Addressing TikTok directly, Li emphasized China’s unwavering opposition to the politicization, instrumentalization, or weaponization of technology and trade matters. He affirmed that China would not sacrifice its principles, corporate interests, or international fairness and justice in pursuit of any accord. The Ministry pledged to protect national interests and the lawful rights of Chinese enterprises by processing technology export applications strictly in accordance with legal and regulatory requirements. Concurrently, the government will respect corporate autonomy and support enterprises in pursuing equitable commercial negotiations based on market principles.

During the same briefing, Wang Jingtao, Deputy Director of the Cyberspace Administration of China, explained that both parties had reached broad agreement on a resolution framework involving the delegation of U.S. user data management and content security operations, as well as licensing arrangements for TikTok’s algorithmic intellectual property. He confirmed that the Chinese authorities would conduct all technology export and IP licensing reviews related to TikTok under the rule of law.

Wang reiterated the government’s steadfast commitment to safeguarding the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies overseas and encouraged firms to continue expanding internationally. He expressed hope that the United States would honor the framework by guaranteeing an open, fair, and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese enterprises, including TikTok, thereby promoting a stable, healthy, and sustainable China-U.S. economic relationship.

Li Chenggang added that China agreed to this consensus after careful assessment of its mutual benefits. He observed that discussions on TikTok had reinforced each side’s appreciation of the importance of a stable and healthy bilateral economic partnership. He confirmed that negotiators would maintain close communication to finalize the agreement’s text and complete domestic approval processes.

Li also voiced China’s concerns over the United States’ continued expansion of sanctions against Chinese entities despite ongoing economic consultations. He criticized the broad application of national security claims to unilaterally extend sanction lists and impose extraterritorial measures, denouncing such actions as unilateral coercion that breaches international law and fundamental norms of international relations. China firmly opposes these practices and formally raised its objections during the talks.

Concluding his remarks, Li stressed that the progress achieved in these negotiations was hard won. He urged the United States to correct its missteps by promptly lifting restrictive measures that harm Chinese enterprises, working together with China to uphold the gains of their dialogue and foster a healthy, stable, and enduring bilateral economic and trade partnership.