Analyzing the Xi-Trump Call
No unconditional green light for TikTok transaction
This evening, Chinese President Xi made a call with Trump.
After all, it’s good news for them to talk. TikTok is the main focus for this conversation. Chinese readout on TikTok includes:
China's position on the TikTok issue is clear: the Chinese government respects corporate decisions and is pleased to see companies conduct business negotiations in accordance with market rules, reaching solutions that comply with Chinese laws and regulations while balancing interests.
This should not be interpreted as an unconditional green light. While business negotiations regarding TikTok's ownership can proceed, the emphasis on "market rules" and "balancing interests" signals that Beijing views political pressure forcing ByteDance to sell as unacceptable. The stipulation that any deal must "comply with Chinese laws and regulations" preserves space for government intervention. TikTok's core asset—its recommendation algorithm—falls under the Ministry of Science and Technology's list of technologies restricted for export.
Soon after the talk ended, Bytedance published a short statement, specifically saying it will continue the talk accordance with Chinese law.
Thank you to President Xi Jinping and President Trump for their concern regarding TikTok. ByteDance will advance relevant work in accordance with Chinese legal requirements, enabling TikTok's U.S. operations to continue serving the vast American user base.
Despite Trump claiming they made progress on trade, Fentanyl, and TikTok, these were barely mentioned in the Chinese readout. There’s an ambiguity in Trump’s voice here; nonetheless, it reveals that both sides, even Trump, prefer maintaining the current tariff status quo while avoiding potential flashpoints. So I would say that at least for the trade truce, it’s likely to be extended unless there’s a huge breakdown (which is unlikely in the short term because of an upcoming in-person meeting during APEC, according to Trump)
Different from last time’s expression, this time’s doesn’t have expressions such as “应邀“ or “应约,“ like the previous two talks this year.
Below is the official readout translated based on Xinhua’s report
On the evening of September 19th, President Xi Jinping of China spoke by phone with U.S. President Trump, engaging in candid and in-depth exchanges on current China-U.S. relations and issues of mutual concern, and providing strategic guidance for the stable development of bilateral relations in the next phase. The call was pragmatic, positive, and constructive.
Xi Jinping noted that China and the United States were allies who fought side by side during World War II. Recently, China held a grand ceremony commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, inviting descendants of members of the American Flying Tigers to watch the military parade from Tiananmen Tower. The Chinese people will never forget the valuable support provided by the United States and other anti-fascist allied nations to China's resistance efforts. While honoring the fallen heroes and remembering history, we should cherish peace and create a better future.
Xi Jinping emphasized that China-U.S. relations are extremely important. China and the United States can fully achieve mutual success and shared prosperity, benefiting both countries and the world. To realize this vision, both sides need to move toward each other and make efforts to achieve mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation. Recent consultations between the two teams have embodied the spirit of equality, respect, and mutual benefit, and can continue to properly handle outstanding issues in bilateral relations, striving for win-win outcomes. The U.S. side should avoid taking unilateral trade restrictive measures to prevent undermining the achievements made through multiple rounds of consultations. China's position on the TikTok issue is clear: the Chinese government respects corporate decisions and is pleased to see companies conduct business negotiations in accordance with market rules, reaching solutions that comply with Chinese laws and regulations while balancing interests. China hopes the U.S. will provide an open, fair, and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese enterprises investing in the United States.
Trump said that China's military parade commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory in the War of Resistance was spectacular. The U.S.-China relationship is the world's most important bilateral relationship, and cooperation between the two countries can accomplish many great things beneficial to world peace and stability. The U.S. hopes to maintain a long-term, positive, and great relationship with China. The U.S. hopes to promote bilateral economic and trade cooperation, will support consultations between the two teams, and properly resolve the TikTok issue. The U.S. is willing to work together with China to maintain world peace.
To be fair, here’s Trump’s personal readout
More to read
"...appreciate the TikTok approval..."
What's the phrase from the old song "...a man hears what he wants to hear and disregards the rest..."
Fascinating readouts. Like two fighters stalking each other. The initial use of the term "productive" by Mr. Trump is revealing since this gentleman is prone to hyperbole.
Again, no mention of rare earth minerals in the readout, but this issue was almost certainly discussed.
https://open.substack.com/pub/thiagodearagao/p/five-things-to-expect-from-the-trumpxi?r=2di31u&utm_medium=ios