As of September 15, 2025, U.S. officials say they are prepared to ban TikTok if China does not drop demands that link the app’s potential sale to unrelated concessions on trade and technology. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer confirmed that while progress has been made on the technical aspects of a TikTok sale, Beijing continues to push for tariff relief and looser export controls as part of the deal.
The White House has drawn a hard line, insisting it will not sacrifice national security to preserve a social media platform. For Chinese negotiators, however, TikTok represents leverage in wider trade talks, and officials see the divestment as an opportunity to reset terms on tariffs and technology restrictions.
Analysts caution that without direct involvement from President Trump and President Xi, a breakthrough in Madrid is unlikely. Instead, the September 17 divestment deadline may be pushed back once again. Still, the outcome could reshape future negotiations over technology, trade, and global digital regulation well beyond TikTok itself.
The Author
Kai Zhang
Staff Writer, Readovia
