In a significant development in US-China technology relations, President Donald Trump publicly thanked Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday, hours after TikTok and its parent company ByteDance finalized a landmark joint venture agreement. The deal transfers substantial portions of TikTok's American operations to a consortium led by software giant Oracle, with participation from private equity firm Silver Lake and Abu Dhabi-based investment firm MGX.
Trump Celebrates "Saving TikTok" on Social Media
Taking to his Truth Social platform, President Trump enthusiastically celebrated the agreement, declaring, "I am so happy to have helped in saving TikTok! It will now be owned by a group of Great American Patriots and Investors, the Biggest in the World, and will be an important Voice." The President emphasized his personal role in facilitating the complex negotiations that led to this resolution.
Political Implications and Acknowledgments
In his detailed social media post, President Trump revealed that TikTok played a crucial role in his successful 2024 presidential campaign, particularly in securing youth voter support. He extended appreciation to Vice President J D Vance and other administration officials who contributed to finalizing the agreement, stating they "helped push the deal over the finishing line."
The President's gratitude extended across the Pacific, with Trump specifically thanking President Xi Jinping for his cooperation. "I would also like to thank President Xi, of China, for working with us and, ultimately, approving the Deal. He could have gone the other way, but didn't, and is appreciated for his decision," Trump wrote, acknowledging the Chinese leader's pivotal role in the agreement.
Announcement of Future Diplomatic Engagement
Earlier on Friday, while returning from the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, President Trump made another significant announcement regarding US-China relations. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, he revealed plans to travel to China for a meeting with President Xi Jinping towards the end of 2026.
"I look forward to seeing President Xi. I've always had a great relationship [with] President Xi of China," Trump stated, as reported by Reuters. This announcement signals continued diplomatic engagement between the two global powers following the resolution of the TikTok ownership situation.
Broader Implications for Technology and Diplomacy
The TikTok-Oracle agreement represents a major development in the ongoing technology competition between the United States and China. The transfer of TikTok's US operations to American-led ownership addresses longstanding national security concerns while preserving the platform's availability to millions of American users.
President Trump's dual announcements—thanking President Xi for cooperation on the TikTok deal while planning future diplomatic engagement—suggest a potentially evolving dynamic in US-China relations. The successful resolution of this high-profile technology dispute may pave the way for increased cooperation in other areas of mutual interest between the two nations.
This remains a developing story with potential implications for international technology policy, US-China diplomatic relations, and global social media governance.
