US Lawmakers Visit China Amid TikTok Deal Discussions

US Delegation Engages Chinese Leadership in Beijing

A bipartisan delegation of United States House lawmakers concluded a rare visit to Beijing, China, on Sunday, September 21, 2025. The delegation, led by Democratic Representative Adam Smith of Washington, met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang at the Great Hall of the People. This marks the first visit by a House delegation to Beijing since 2019, signaling an effort to 'break the ice' and stabilize relations between the two global powers.

Discussions during the visit focused on critical areas including trade relations, military-to-military communication, and the contentious issue of the TikTok social media platform.

Emerging TikTok Deal Details Emerge

The visit comes amidst significant developments regarding the ownership and operation of TikTok in the United States. The White House has announced an emerging deal that would grant US companies control over TikTok's algorithm and ensure that Americans hold a majority of seats on a board overseeing the app's US operations.

According to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, six of the seven board seats for TikTok's US entity will be occupied by Americans, who will also oversee the platform's algorithm. Tech giant Oracle, led by Larry Ellison, is reportedly slated to lead TikTok's data and privacy functions. This agreement aims to address long-standing national security concerns while allowing the popular app, which boasts approximately 170 million US users, to continue operating in the country.

Context of Ongoing Negotiations

The lawmakers' trip followed a recent phone call between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, where the TikTok deal was a key topic of discussion. President Trump has previously signed orders to allow TikTok to continue operating in the US, despite legislation passed by Congress that called for a ban to take effect in January. The White House expressed '100 percent confidence' that a deal is finalized and anticipates its formal signing 'in the coming days.'

While US officials have detailed the terms, China's foreign ministry has not explicitly confirmed the specifics of the agreement. Earlier discussions had raised questions about China's potential retention of control over the algorithm through licensing, but the current White House stance emphasizes US control.

Broader Diplomatic Efforts

Beyond TikTok, the delegation's visit is part of a broader effort to reopen communication channels that have been strained by various issues, including US restrictions on semiconductor exports, disputes over Taiwan, and Chinese claims in the South China Sea. The US ambassador to China, David Perdue, welcomed the delegation, emphasizing the vital role such bipartisan groups play in managing the US-China relationship.