Following months of supply chain adjustments and diversification amid US–China trade tensions, Apple CEO Tim Cook reassured Beijing that the company remains committed to investing in the region. Here are the details.
Cook’s remarks highlight Apple’s difficult position in the US-China trade war
You’ve probably seen the viral image of Tim Cook being gifted a custom-made Labubu doll that has been going around since yesterday.
The photo was taken during Tim Cook’s latest visit to China, where he stopped by an Apple Store as Apple announced that iPhone Air preorders will open this Friday and unveiled a new environmental initiative with Tsinghua University.
Cook’s visit to China also included meetings with government officials where, as reported by Reuters, he promised to keep investing in the country:
“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.”
9to5Mac’s take
Cook’s remarks come amid a slight rebound in iPhone sales in China, following an extended period of slowing demand.
They also highlight the tightrope that will likely define the rest of his tenure as Apple’s CEO, as the company finds itself increasingly entangled in the US-China trade war.
So far, the US government hasn’t reacted to Cook’s remarks, but if history is any indication, it may take issue with them in the coming days and weeks as the trade war heats up again.
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