Trump and Xi Jinping engage in productive discussions on trade and TikTok.

On Friday, President Trump engaged in what he described as a “very productive” phone call with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. However, specific details regarding trade negotiations and a potential agreement regarding the social media platform TikTok were not extensively disclosed. This dialogue between the leaders of the world’s two largest economies marks a significant step amid ongoing tensions over trade policies and technology regulations.

During the conversation, the two leaders agreed to meet in person at an upcoming Asian summit scheduled for the end of October. They also discussed the possibility of reciprocal visits to each other’s nations as soon as 2026. Trump’s social media update suggested progress on key issues, including trade relations, the illicit fentanyl trade, and the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, as well as the approval of a TikTok deal. However, the exact implications of the TikTok approval and the terms of any potential agreement remain ambiguous.

Chinese officials reported that Xi cautioned Trump against imposing “unilateral trade restrictions,” highlighting the complexities involved in reaching a consensus. This call represents the second direct communication between Trump and Xi since Trump’s return to office, signaling a renewed commitment to tackle matters that have strained bilateral relations.

Despite previous escalations, including the implementation of high tariffs on Chinese goods which have strained trade agreements, Trump has expressed his intention to initiate negotiations addressing trade, tariffs, and the TikTok conundrum, which has faced threats of a U.S. ban unless its controlling stake is sold by its Chinese parent company, ByteDance.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent mentioned that negotiators have established a preliminary framework for discussions regarding TikTok’s ownership, an essential point of contention. Furthermore, a recent bipartisan measure by Congress mandated that TikTok be prohibited in the U.S. over concerns related to data privacy and national security unless ownership changes. The Supreme Court has supported this legislation, adding further urgency to the matter.

The broader arena of U.S.-China trade relations remains fraught with challenges. Although ongoing negotiations between top officials have occurred, including four rounds of talks since May, many critical issues, such as tech export restrictions and Chinese purchases of U.S. agricultural products, are still unresolved. American agricultural exports to China have plummeted significantly this year, recording a 53% decline in the first half of 2025.

This latest call between Trump and Xi showcases both leaders’ willingness to engage in dialogue. Still, until concrete agreements are reached, the future of trade relations and key issues like data privacy concerning platforms such as TikTok remain precariously positioned.