Negotiations to Decide TikTok’s Fate Set to Begin This Weekend

Negotiations that could determine the fate of TikTok, which faces potential expulsion from the United States, are expected to begin as early as this weekend. Uncertainty over TikTok’s future is likely to persist, as China has yet to clarify its position on President Donald Trump’s proposal to transfer more than 50% of TikTok’s shares through a sale.

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On January 22 (local time), CNN reported, citing Bill Ford, a board member of ByteDance-TikTok’s parent company-and CEO of General Atlantic, that negotiations regarding TikTok would begin this weekend.

At a World Economic Forum (WEF, Davos Forum) event sponsored by Axios, CEO Ford stated, “It is in everyone’s interest to keep the (TikTok) application running,” adding, “We will begin negotiations as early as this weekend to determine what solutions might work for TikTok.” General Atlantic is also a major investor in ByteDance.

Ford also emphasized, “The Chinese government, the U.S. government, ByteDance, and the board of directors all need to be part of this conversation,” and added, “There could be solutions other than the sale of the subsidiary (TikTok).” This has led to speculation that the board may propose alternatives to a sale as a way to lift the ban on TikTok in the United States.

Ford’s call for the participation of both the U.S. and Chinese governments in the TikTok negotiations reflects the fact that this issue is not simply a matter for individual companies. Some observers interpret President Trump’s decision to lift the TikTok ban as an attempt to use TikTok as leverage to pressure China. President Trump, while agreeing to delay the implementation of the TikTok ban, proposed a joint venture in which U.S. companies would hold a 50% stake in TikTok’s U.S. operations as an alternative, and warned that if China refuses to agree, he would impose a 100% tariff.

In response to President Trump’s proposal, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the will of ByteDance and compliance with Chinese regulations are necessary. At a regular briefing on January 20, Mao Ning, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was asked about President Trump’s remarks and replied, “Regarding corporate operations and acquisitions, we have always believed that market principles and independent corporate decisions should be respected,” adding, “If it concerns a Chinese company, it must comply with China’s laws and regulations.”

Mao’s more reserved position is interpreted as an indication that the Chinese government has yet to finalize its stance on how to handle TikTok. Analysts believe this reflects a calculation that there is still time to address the TikTok issue through direct talks with the Trump administration.

CNN reported that, for now, TikTok’s fate in the United States remains uncertain until a deal is reached, and that even if Trump mediates the sale, it is unclear whether ByteDance actually wants to sell TikTok.

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