Apple CEO Tim Cook meets with new Premier Li Qiang on trip to reaffirm commitment to China market

Cook met Li on Monday afternoon as part of a delegation of C-level executives and scholars from overseas attending the government-organised China Development Forum (CDF) in Beijing, according to footage aired by Chinese state television’s prime-time news show Xinwen Lianbo.

Li, who assumed the role as Chinese premier this month, told the delegation that the current global economy is in a difficult period with complications and changes, and that companies should take a long-term view in view of the challenges.

China is deeply integrated with the global system, Li said, as he reassured the representatives that China would continue to open up and provide a top-tier business environment despite changes in geopolitical affairs.

On the same day Cook also met Wang Wentao, China’s Minister of Commerce, where they discussed “Apple’s development in China and the stabilisation of the industry supply chain”, according to a statement by the ministry.

Wang also said in his meeting with Cook that the Chinese government is willing to provide a good environment and services to foreign companies including Apple.

Cook’s trip to China, his first since the Covid-19 pandemic, has been seen as a demonstration of the company’s commitment to the world’s biggest smartphone market amid economic decoupling risks and an ongoing supply chain shift.