A framework agreement on short-form video platform TikTok has been reached in the latest round of trade talks between the US and China. SMU Associate Professor of Finance Fu Fangjian said that both the US and China will seek a solution that is acceptable to both parties. Judging from its spokesperson’s mentions of “technology export” and “intellectual property licensing”, the Chinese government will likely allow ByteDance to grant TikTok’s algorithm licence to the US but restrict the scope of use and implement restriction terms. Assoc Prof Fu thinks that the above solution will suit the demands of US President Donald Trump’s administration and benefit ByteDance. He stated that the Chinese government also has bigger goals, including getting Mr Trump to visit China and thawing US-China ties.
