Tim Cook Meets China’s Vice Premier as Apple Doubles Down on Its Biggest Overseas Market — Beijing Calls for ‘Stable’ US Ties

Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) Executive Chairman Tim Cook met China’s Vice Premier He Lifeng on Monday as both sides discussed business cooperation and economic relations. The Chinese Vice Premier said that implementing agreements reached by the countries’ leaders could help build a "constructive, strategic, and stable relationship between China and the United States based on respect, fairness, and equality,” reported Xinhua News. He added that stronger bilateral ties would support China’s, the U.S. and the global economy, while creating more predictable operating conditions for multinational companies. He welcomed technology companies, including Apple, to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation and participate in opportunities linked to China’s modernization. Cook said Apple remains confident in its long-term prospects in China. He also said the company would act as a bridge for businesses and support stable, healthy economic and trade relations. Read Also: Tim Cook Told Apple CEO John Ternus ‘Don’t Mimic Me’ Before Stepping Aside Ahead of Apple’s Big iPhone Launch: 'I’m Not a Meddler' Apple Deepens China Ties The meeting comes as Apple reportedly pursued a China-specific AI strategy. In August, the company was reported to be working with Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. (NYSE:BABA) on an AI model designed for the Chinese market, potentially supporting Apple Intelligence’s local rollout. By late September, market indicators offered another reason for Apple’s focus on Beijing. Counterpoint Research said iPhone 18 Pro sales grew 12% year over year during its first three days, helping the company reach a 33% smartphone share in China during Week 38, despite weak demand and rising memory costs. In October 2025, Cook praised Chinese app developers as "hugely important" to Apple’s innovation ecosystem, highlighting their creativity, storytelling and graphics. He described China’s developer economy as "vibrant and dynamic," saying its output was "jaw-dropping" and that Chinese games and cultural apps were attracting global demand. Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors. Read Also: Tesla China-Made EV Sales Rise 5% in September, Extending Growth Streak To 11 Months Despite Global Sales Slump Photo Courtesy: photovanessacarvalho on Shutterstock