China and United States officials launched a new round of economic and trade talks in Madrid on September 14, with Beijing placing TikTok at the heart of the negotiations. According to state-run Xinhua news agency and a statement from Spain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the talks began at the Palacio de Santa Cruz, underscoring their high diplomatic significance.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent led the American delegation, while Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng represented Beijing. Both sides confirmed that the agenda includes tariffs, trade disputes, and the fate of TikTok, which faces a looming ban in the United States unless sold to a non-Chinese buyer.
TikTok’s US operations face an existential threat as the September 17 deadline approaches, following President Donald Trump’s extension of an earlier order demanding the app’s sale or ban on national security grounds. A federal law mandating TikTok’s divestment or prohibition was scheduled to take effect just before Trump’s inauguration, but the order has been delayed three times.
Beijing insists that TikTok’s operations are legitimate and beneficial, highlighting the platform’s role in “promoting US employment and stimulating consumption.” Xinhua noted that the app enjoys strong user loyalty in America and its success “stems from market dynamics and corporate innovation.”
Beyond TikTok, the broader backdrop of the talks remains fraught. Trade relations between Beijing and Washington have swung between confrontation and compromise throughout 2025. Earlier this year, tariffs soared into triple digits, severely disrupting supply chains across both economies.
A temporary truce followed, with Washington reducing tariffs to 30 percent and Beijing lowering them to 10 percent. The two sides also agreed to postpone the reimposition of higher duties until November 10, leaving a narrow window for negotiations.
On September 12, China’s commerce ministry publicly urged the United States to resolve the TikTok dispute “through dialogue, based on mutual respect and equal consultations.” The ministry’s statement framed the app’s survival as a test case for broader economic cooperation.
Spanish officials confirmed that the Chinese delegation will remain in Madrid until September 17, with further rounds of dialogue scheduled. While both sides have signalled a willingness to ease tensions, the fate of TikTok and its millions of American users hangs in the balance.
