Apple CEO Tim Cook recently visited China, where he assured government officials that the technology company will continue to make investments in the communist country. Cook’s promise comes as Apple continues to move its production to other countries and make similar promises to the US government, reports Reuters.
Many U.S. companies have become cautious about relations with China as the world’s two biggest economies clash over tariffs and as U.S. President Donald Trump seeks to promote manufacturing in the United States rather than elsewhere.
But Cook told China’s industry minister Li Lecheng the iPhone maker will keep investing in China, according to an official summary of their meeting in Beijing released by the Chinese, although it gave no details of the size of the potential investment. Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
In return, Lecheng expressed China’s desire for Apple to continue to expand its operations in the communist country to continue to “grow together with Chinese suppliers,” while also assuring Cook that the government intends to develop a favorable business environment for foreign companies.
Apple and Cook are currently navigating the dangerous waters of the US – China trade war, being forced to deal with increased tariffs, increasing governmental scrutiny both at home and abroad, and more.
US President Donald Trump is pushing companies like Apple to return product manufacturing back stateside, using initiatives such as the CHIPS and Science Act, even as China pushes for more production inside its borders.
