Apple Inc. CEO Tim Cook has pledged to increase the company’s investment in China during a high-profile visit to Beijing, underscoring Apple’s commitment to maintaining strong ties amid ongoing global trade tensions.
Cook met with China’s Minister of Industry and Information Technology, Li Lecheng, on Wednesday, where the two leaders discussed deepening cooperation between Apple and its Chinese suppliers. According to the ministry’s official WeChat statement, Cook said, “Apple will boost investment in China and further step up cooperation,” although no specific investment figures were disclosed.
The announcement highlights Apple’s strategic balancing act amid growing geopolitical risks. While U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened new tariffs on companies relying on foreign manufacturing—such as Apple—the Cupertino-based tech giant has also pledged to invest $600 billion in the United States over the next four years to help mitigate the impact of these potential tariffs.
Despite this, China remains critical to Apple’s global business, serving both as a major consumer market and a key manufacturing hub. Minister Li encouraged Apple to “work closely with local suppliers” and assured that China will continue fostering a favorable business environment for foreign companies like Apple.
During his visit, Cook toured Apple’s flagship store in Shanghai and engaged with local game developers and the designer behind the popular Labubu dolls. He shared highlights of his visit on China’s social media platform Weibo, emphasizing Apple’s strong connection to local culture and its vibrant developer ecosystem.
Earlier this week, Cook announced that the newly unveiled iPhone Air would soon be available for pre-order in China, following regulatory approval for domestic telecom operators to support its eSIM technology.
This visit marks Cook’s second trip to China in 2025. In March, Apple announced a 720 million yuan (approximately $101 million) clean energy fund to support China’s renewable energy goals, reinforcing the company’s commitment to sustainability in the region.
As Apple navigates the complexities of global trade, the company’s renewed investment and cooperation with China signal its determination to maintain a foothold in one of the world’s most important markets.
