US-China trade talks entered their second day on Monday. The negotiations come as the deadline for a possible TikTok ban draws closer.
The talks are led by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng. Both sides are working to cool down tensions in a trade war that has strained relations between the world’s two largest economies.
Tariffs Truce Extended
In July, the two countries agreed to extend their tariffs truce by 90 days. The deal, set to expire on 10 November, cut import taxes that had climbed to more than 100% on some products.
The White House said the pause gave time to discuss “unfair trade practices” and national security concerns. But progress remains slow.
TikTok at the Center
A major focus is TikTok, the video-sharing app owned by China’s ByteDance. The platform has around 170 million users in the United States.
Donald Trump once called for TikTok’s ban during his first term. He cited security risks linked to its Chinese ownership. However, his position has shifted. After gaining popularity on the app during the 2024 election, he has already delayed the ban three times.
On Sunday, Trump said: “We may let [TikTok] die. Or we may… I don’t know. It depends. Up to China, it doesn’t matter too much.” His remarks suggest the deadline could be extended again.
Politics and Strategy
Last month, the White House even launched its own TikTok account. Analysts believe Trump may now use the app as a political tool while still pressing Beijing for trade concessions.
This week’s meetings could also prepare for a face-to-face between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Both leaders are expected at a summit in South Korea in October.
What’s Next
The immediate question is whether Trump will grant TikTok a fourth reprieve. Beyond that, Washington and Beijing must decide if they can move from temporary truces to a lasting trade deal.
