China and the US “made progress” on TikTok’s sale to American buyers, according to President Trump’s latest update. But in the same breath, he also said he “appreciates the TikTok approval” – leaving everyone wondering whether this thing is actually done or not.

The mixed messaging came after a call between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, where they discussed trade, fentanyl, Ukraine, and TikTok’s fate. Trump’s Truth Social post managed to make the situation both sound resolved and ongoing simultaneously.

TikTok’s own response didn’t clear things up much either.

What Trump and Xi Apparently Discussed

Trump posted that he “just completed a very productive call with President Xi of China” covering multiple topics including “the approval of the TikTok Deal.”

Key phrases from Trump’s post:

• “We made progress on many very important issues”
• “Appreciate the TikTok approval”
• Both leaders will meet at the APEC Summit in Korea in October

The problem? “Made progress” suggests ongoing work, while “appreciate the approval” sounds like it’s finished. Classic political messaging that clarifies nothing.

TikTok’s Diplomatic Response

TikTok thanked both presidents for their efforts but kept things vague: “ByteDance will work in accordance with applicable laws to ensure TikTok remains available to American users through TikTok U.S.”

Translation: They’re still working on it, and nobody knows exactly what “it” looks like yet.

Where Things Stand (Or Don’t)

This latest update leaves us basically where we were earlier this week – with a “framework” agreement that might take 30 to 45 more days to finalize. The January 2025 sale deadline has already been extended four times.

Expected deal structure:

• Buyers: Oracle, Andreessen Horowitz, and Susquehanna International Group consortium
• ByteDance keeps just under 20% ownership (as required by US law)
• New recommendation algorithm separate from Chinese control
• Timeline: Still unclear despite multiple announcements

What This Means for TikTok Users

If you’re one of TikTok’s millions of US users, you’re still in limbo. The app continues working normally while lawyers and politicians figure out the details.

Current situation:

• TikTok operates normally for now
• No immediate changes to user experience
• Future features and updates remain uncertain
• Potential trade war complications could still derail everything

The repeated deadline extensions suggest this process is more complicated than anyone initially expected. Both governments seem committed to finding a solution, but the details keep shifting.

For now, TikTok users can keep scrolling while the adults in the room try to figure out who owns what and when.