Apple CEO commends China partners as Beijing applies pressure

(SeaPRwire) –   Apple CEO Tim Cook lauded Chinese developers and the company’s local partners, following recent criticism from the ruling party’s main newspaper over the iPhone maker’s monopolistic policies.

Addressing the China Development Forum in Beijing on Sunday, Cook highlighted the innovative work of Chinese developers and the advanced automation in the nation’s factories. He stated that Apple and China have aligned objectives, particularly in areas like sustainable development and achieving carbon neutrality.

Earlier this month, Apple reduced the commission fees it charges app developers in China, a significant move in a critical market where it faced potential antitrust action from regulators. However, after this change, the Communist Party’s People’s Daily newspaper pushed for more relaxed App Store rules and called on the company to address its “monopolistic” conduct, underscoring the ongoing pressure Apple faces from Beijing.

“Innovation, green development, and education are not isolated concepts—they are profoundly linked,” Cook remarked. “They embody a shared vision of progress at Apple, and we are dedicated to working with our partners throughout China and with everyone here to bring that vision to life.”

Cook noted that a “superbly talented developer community” fosters greater prosperity and opportunity in China, and that innovation is revolutionizing its manufacturing industry. Although the U.S. tech company assembles the majority of its products in China, it has expanded its production network to include locations like Vietnam and India.

“There’s a Chinese proverb I admire—’a single tree does not make a forest,'” Cook said. “Together, I am confident we can cultivate that forest.”

Read More: Apple CEO Visits China Amid Growing Pressure on App Store Policy

Apple’s sales growth in China has recovered in recent months, driven by demand for its newest iPhone model and customers switching from competing brands. Revenue from China surged 38% to $25.5 billion during the holiday quarter ending in December.

Also speaking at the forum, Chinese Premier Li Qiang pointed to Apple as an example of a firm with a broadly diversified supply chain.

“Politicizing industrial matters and intentionally weaponizing supply chains will only raise costs for businesses and hamper development,” Li stated. “China is ready to enhance dialogue and collaboration with all sides to jointly safeguard the stability and security of the global supply chain.”