In a move that underscores Apple’s delicate dance between global markets, CEO Tim Cook sat down with China’s Industry Minister Li Lecheng in Beijing. The meeting, reported by Reuters, signals Apple’s intent to deepen roots in the world’s largest smartphone market, even as U.S.-China trade tensions simmer.
The conversation focused on Apple’s ongoing investments and collaboration with local suppliers. Cook pledged to boost the company’s presence, though specifics on the scale remain under wraps. Minister Li, who also oversees information technology, welcomed the commitment, emphasizing China’s desire for Apple to explore its vast market further and grow alongside domestic firms.
Li highlighted the importance of a welcoming business environment for foreign players like Apple. “China hopes Apple will continue exploring the Chinese market and growing with Chinese suppliers,” he stated, according to reports. In return, Beijing promised to foster conditions that support innovation and expansion.
Cook’s trip extended beyond the ministry halls. He toured an Apple Store in Shanghai, connected with local game developers, and even met the designer behind the viral Labubu doll. On the supplier front, Apple’s COO Sabih Khan visited long-time partner Lens Technology just a day prior, marking 19 years of collaboration on iPhone and Apple Watch components.
Just months ago, in August 2025, Cook announced a $100 billion push into U.S. manufacturing. It’s a hedge against the unknown—U.S. tariffs loom large under a potential Trump administration, but Apple’s avoided the sharper edges of scrutiny.
China’s ambassador to the U.S., Xie Feng, captured the broader sentiment: “The business community has always been a stabilizer of China-U.S. relations.” For Apple, that means walking a tightrope, investing where it counts without alienating either side.
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