A major breakthrough in U.S.-China relations was announced on September 15, 2025, as officials unveiled a framework deal for the transfer of TikTok’s ownership — a resolution to years of dispute surrounding the app’s Chinese parent company, ByteDance.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer both credited former President Donald Trump for playing a pivotal role in the agreement.

“President Trump played a role in this… Without his leadership and the leverage he provides, we would not be able to conclude this framework deal today,” Ambassador Greer said.

Bessent echoed the sentiment: “Getting to this framework was made possible by President Trump.”

The acknowledgment highlights Trump’s continued influence in U.S.-China relations, with officials pointing to his past dealings with Chinese President Xi Jinping as instrumental in navigating the final stages of negotiation.

The deal addresses long-standing national security concerns in Washington, where TikTok’s ownership by ByteDance had sparked fears of data misuse and foreign interference. With the framework now in place, the Biden administration is expected to push forward with implementation details, while emphasizing the bipartisan effort that led to the outcome.