Xi and Trump frame phone call in positive terms, but offer few details
Chinese President Xi Jinping and his American counterpart Donald Trump have spoken by phone for the third time this year, capping off a string of high-level US-China engagements, with the US leader suggesting that the two sides made progress on trade friction and a TikTok deal, among other issues. Both presidents framed the nearly two-hour-long…
Both presidents framed the nearly two-hour-long conversation in positive terms, with Trump calling it “very productive” and Beijing describing it as “pragmatic, positive and constructive”.
Trump suggested a TikTok deal was sealed, but when pressed later, he stopped short of confirming that US investors would have full control of the app’s Chinese algorithm.
“It’s all being worked out. We’re going to have very good control,” Trump said when asked if he would accept a deal where China controls the algorithm. He added that American investors, who were “very famous people”, would be in charge.
The “America-First” president said the deal needs to get signed but called it “just a formality”, insisting that the US will have a “very, very tight control” of the algorithm.
The Chinese side, meanwhile, urged a resolution on TikTok that complies with Chinese law, though it also offered no details on the outcomes of the call. A statement published by Chinese state media outlet Xinhua said issues of mutual concern were discussed in a “candid” manner and included an “in-depth exchange of views”.
