Madrid: US China trade talks have continued in Spain on Monday as delegations from both countries attempt to resolve long-running disputes.
The discussions, led by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, have taken place amid renewed concerns over tariffs, national security, and the future of TikTok in America.
The two delegations last met in July, when they agreed to extend a tariffs truce by 90 days until November 10. That agreement temporarily reduced import taxes that had reached more than 100 percent on each other’s goods, while also creating more space to address what the White House described as ‘unfair trade practices’.
The future of TikTok has been a central issue during the meetings. ByteDance, the Chinese parent company of the app, faces a deadline to divest its US operations or risk a ban. President Donald Trump, who had previously called for the app to be banned during his first term, has since softened his stance and extended the deadline three times.
Despite earlier criticism, Trump has embraced TikTok in the political space after gaining popularity on the platform during the 2024 presidential election. In August, the White House launched its official TikTok account, highlighting the app’s significance in reaching US audiences. TikTok currently has around 170 million users in America, making it one of the most widely used social media platforms.
The talks in Spain are also expected to set the stage for a potential meeting between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in October. Both leaders are scheduled to attend a summit in South Korea, which could provide an opportunity for direct discussions on trade and technology.
Analysts have said that while the extension of the tariffs truce has provided temporary relief, fundamental disagreements remain unresolved. These include accusations of intellectual property theft, restrictions on Chinese firms, and American concerns over supply chain resilience.
The White House has maintained that negotiations are aimed at restoring stability while safeguarding national interests. Beijing has emphasized the importance of equal treatment and avoiding what it calls ‘decoupling’. With the TikTok deadline approaching, observers expect the US administration to extend the timeline again, giving ByteDance more opportunity to find a buyer.
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