Apple CEO Tim Cook meets Chinese vice-premier, renews commitment to China

Ding said China’s doors are open and that the country is willing to provide more opportunities and create a better environment for foreign enterprises

Cook said Apple remained confident in the Chinese market and was willing to strengthen cooperation in hi-end manufacturing and the digital economy

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Apple CEO Tim Cook, left, greets Chinese Vice-Premier Ding Xuexiang in Beijing on October 19, 2023. Photo: Xinhua via AP

Published: 6:30pm, 21 Oct 2023Updated: 4:35pm, 22 Oct 2023

Chinese Vice-Premier Ding Xuexiang and Apple CEO Tim Cook have met in Beijing, with both committing to Apple’s participation in developing the country’s digital economy and hi-tech supply chain, as the US technology giant attempts to shift its China narrative amid controversies over national security and censorship.

After a quiet start, Cook’s surprise China trip has ramped up over the past few days to include meetings with Ding and other high ranking officials such as Ministry of Industry and Information Technology head Jin Zhuanglong and Ren Hongbin, the chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, according to a report from state-run outlet The Global Times.

While high profile meetings are typical of a visit by the Apple CEO, the latest closed-door discussions come against the backdrop of Beijing’s recent restrictions on government worker’s use of iPhones over national security risks, and controversy surrounding the Chinese App Store and its need to better comply with local censorship regulations.

However, in their meeting, Ding told Cook that China’s doors are “open” and that the country is willing to provide more opportunities and create a better environment for foreign enterprises, including Apple, according to a report by Chinese state radio.

Cook reportedly stated that Apple remains confident in the prospects of the Chinese market, with the company willing to strengthen cooperation with the country in high-end manufacturing, the digital economy and other fields.

Apple CEO Tim Cook meets Chinese vice-premier, renews commitment to China

Ding said China’s doors are open and that the country is willing to provide more opportunities and create a better environment for foreign enterprises Cook said Apple remained confident in the Chinese market and was willing to strengthen cooperation in hi-end manufacturing and the digital economy