Apple Chief Returns to China as Beijing Prepares to Fete CEO

(Bloomberg) – Apple Inc. Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook is visiting China for the third time this year, appearing at a trade conference on the same day Beijing’s chief executive convened an important meeting with a group of foreign leaders. .

More Reading from Bloomberg

Chinese President Li Qiang is expected to meet with corporate executives on Monday ahead of the event, as companies around the world are anticipating President Donald Trump’s threat to raise tariffs on Chinese goods. The trade disruption is a concern especially for Apple, which makes the majority of its iPhones through Foxconn in the world and counting China as its largest market after the US.

Cook’s plans in the capital are unclear. The CEO made the move to emphasize the importance of China’s supply chain during a brief speech carried by a social media account linked to state broadcaster China Central Television. “I appreciate them very much. We couldn’t do what we do without them,” Cook said in response to a question about Apple’s Chinese partners.

Li can talk about business gatherings and hear from executives of global companies such as Rio Tinto Plc, Corning Inc. and Charoen Pokphand Group, Bloomberg News reported. These discussions may cover a wide range of sales and sales flow issues.

The CEO of Apple was in the capital last month, when he promised to continue investing in the country and emphasized its important role in the global operations of the iPhone maker. Over the weekend, Nvidia Corp. honcho Jensen Huang was in Hong Kong receiving an honorary degree.

More Reading from Bloomberg Businessweek

©2024 Bloomberg LP

Leave a Comment