The plan was outlined aboard Air Force One on 5/7, en route to New Jersey. Trump said a deal regarding ByteDance selling TikTok in the US was "basically" done.

"I think we'll start negotiations on Monday or Tuesday, maybe with President Xi Jinping or one of his representatives, but in general there's almost a deal," Trump said.

The TikTok app icon on a smartphone in a photo taken on 13/7/2021. Photo: Reuters.

The TikTok app icon on a smartphone in a photo taken on 13/7/2021. Photo: Reuters.

Late last month, Trump said he had found a buyer for the TikTok app and the deal might require approval from China.

When asked whether China would agree to the deal, Trump replied, "I'm not sure, but I think it's possible. President Xi and I have a very good relationship, and this deal is beneficial for them."

The search for a buyer for TikTok in the US, owned by ByteDance, stems from the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversaries Control of Applications (PAFACA) enacted last year. Initially, the law required ByteDance to divest from TikTok or face a ban in the US by 20/1/2025.

After taking office, Trump signed an executive order postponing the implementation of the law for 75 days. He then extended it for another 75 days. In an interview with NBC News in May, he said he would grant another extension if no agreement was reached. Earlier this month, he granted ByteDance a third extension, effective until 17/9.

TikTok currently has about 170 million users in the US. US officials are concerned that China could use TikTok to collect data on American users. However, TikTok has always denied this.

Phien An (Reuters)