Apple CEO Tim Cook joined over 20 international business leaders in a meeting with China’s Premier Li Qiang on Monday, discussing supply chain stability and trade amid growing global economic uncertainty.
Executives from firms like Rio Tinto, Corning Inc., and Thailand’s Charoen Pokphand Group participated, alongside top Chinese corporate leaders, including representatives from Lenovo Group and ICBC. This marked the first high-level dialogue between foreign businesses and a senior Beijing official since Donald Trump’s reelection, which renewed fears of increased tariffs on Chinese goods.
Cook, making his third visit to China this year, highlighted the critical role of Chinese suppliers to Apple’s operations. “We value them very highly. We could not do what we do without them,” he said in remarks broadcast by state media. Apple relies heavily on China, its second-largest market, and Foxconn’s manufacturing plants for iPhone production.
Premier Li emphasized Beijing’s commitment to fostering foreign investment amid the country’s economic challenges. Earlier this month, he met executives during the China International Import Expo in Shanghai.
The session also featured prominent figures like Thai billionaire Dhanin Chearavanont, Matsumoto Masayoshi of Sumitomo Electric, and TCL Chairman Li Dongsheng. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang was also in the region over the weekend, receiving an honorary doctorate in Hong Kong.
As geopolitical tensions rise, global corporations continue to navigate challenges in balancing operations in China with shifting policies under the Trump administration.