China says TikTok’s continued US operation a must for trade talks progress

China emphasised its openness to dialogue with the US on trade issues, but said Washington must adhere to principles and provide “open, fair, non-discriminatory conditions” for Chinese enterprises, including the Chinese-owned short-video platform.

“If the US insists on harming the legitimate interests of Chinese companies, China will take necessary measures to firmly safeguard national interests and the legal rights of enterprises,” according to a party mouthpiece People’s Daily

commentary published on Sunday, hours before delegates were scheduled to land in Spain.

High-level bilateral trade talks will run for four days, starting on Sunday, in Madrid, involving US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent

and Chinese Vice-Premier He Lifeng

, according to China’s Ministry of Commerce.

The talks are expected to focus on key issues such as unilateral tariffs, export controls and the future of Chinese technology companies like TikTok.

These negotiations come amid ongoing tensions over trade and technology. Last year, the US Congress approved a nationwide ban on TikTok unless its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, sold its controlling stake by January 19.