Xi tells Trump he’s open to TikTok negotiations

Chinese President Xi Jinping told President Donald Trump that Washington should avoid unilateral steps on trade but that it welcomes negotiations over TikTok, according to a Chinese state media summary of the leaders' call on Friday.

The official readout described the first call in three months between the two men as "pragmatic, positive and constructive."

But it left open a question about whether the two sides had reached an agreement over the fate of short-video app TikTok or in cementing a follow-up, in-person meeting.

"On TikTok, Xi said China's position is clear: the Chinese government respects the will of firms and welcomes companies to conduct business negotiations on the basis of market rules to reach a solution consistent with Chinese laws and regulations while balancing interests," according to the meeting summary in Xinhua.

"The U.S. side should avoid unilateral trade restrictions that could undermine outcomes achieved through multiple rounds of talks."

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.