US, China end first day of talks in Spain on trade, TikTok deadline
United States and Chinese officials wrapped up the first day of high-level talks in Madrid on Sunday. The discussions focused on strained trade ties, the looming TikTok divestiture deadline, and wider global economic tensions.
The meeting comes at a time when relations between Washington and Beijing remain uneasy. Trade disputes, security concerns, and geopolitical rivalries continue to shape their agenda. The talks in Spain were seen as a test of whether both sides can find common ground on urgent issues.
One of the most pressing topics is the future of TikTok. The Chinese-owned short-video platform faces a divestiture deadline in the United States. Washington has raised national security concerns over the app’s ownership, arguing that user data could be accessed by Beijing. Lawmakers in the US have pushed for TikTok to be sold to a non-Chinese company or face a possible ban.
Beijing has criticized these moves, calling them unfair and politically motivated. Chinese officials argue that targeting TikTok violates free market principles and risks further damaging trade relations. During the Madrid talks, both sides acknowledged the need to continue dialogue but offered no sign of an immediate breakthrough.
Trade tensions also dominated the discussions. The United States has been pressing its allies to impose tariffs on Chinese goods. Washington argues that China’s purchases of Russian oil indirectly support Moscow during the war in Ukraine. By urging Europe and other partners to adopt tariffs, US officials hope to increase pressure on Beijing to reduce its economic links with Russia.
China has rejected these demands. Officials in Beijing maintain that their trade with Russia is legal and should not be linked to the conflict. They also accuse the United States of using tariffs as a tool of economic pressure. This disagreement has widened the gap between the two countries, even as they continue to rely on one another for global trade.
The Madrid meeting provided an opportunity for both sides to exchange views in person. Analysts say the choice of Spain as the venue highlights Europe’s growing role in global trade discussions. European nations are caught between US demands for stronger measures against China and their own economic interests. Spain, in particular, has sought to maintain balanced relations with both powers.
Officials described the first day of talks as constructive but cautious. Both delegations expressed the importance of keeping communication channels open. However, the underlying disputes remain unresolved. Observers say progress will depend on whether the US and China are willing to compromise on sensitive issues like technology and energy trade.
TikTok’s future remains uncertain. The divestiture deadline has raised questions among millions of users in the US. If the app is banned or forced to restructure, it could reshape the social media landscape. Tech experts note that the outcome will also signal how far the US is prepared to go in limiting Chinese technology companies.
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