Official WeChat account of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology

TMTPOST -- China’s Minister of Industry and Information Technology, Li Lecheng, met with Apple CEO Tim Cook in Beijing on Wednesday, pledging continued support for foreign companies and stronger cooperation in the electronics and information technology sectors.

The two executives discussed Apple’s business development in China and explored opportunities to deepen collaboration across the electronics supply chain, according to a statement from MIIT.

Li highlighted China’s “vast market and comprehensive industrial system” as offering significant potential for investment and consumption. He emphasized that China remains committed to high-standard opening-up, while promoting “intelligent industrialization” and “industrial intellectualization,” and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fostering a supportive business environment for foreign enterprises, including Apple.

Li encouraged Apple to further expand its presence in China, actively contribute to the country’s industrial modernization efforts, and strengthen partnerships with upstream and downstream players in its supply chain to drive innovation.

Cook thanked MIIT for its support of Apple’s operations in China and confirmed the company’s intent to increase investment and deepen cooperation with the country, aiming for mutually beneficial, win-win development, the ministry said.

Apple’s engagement in China has increasingly emphasized sustainability. On Tuesday, the company said that over 90% of its manufacturing in China is powered by renewable energy, reflecting a decade-long collaboration with more than 100 local suppliers. In addition, Apple’s Chinese suppliers recently launched a 1-billion-yuan ($150 million) investment fund to support renewable energy infrastructure projects in the country.

Cook also made a surprise appearance on a Douyin livestream Monday night, marking his first appearance on the platform since Apple’s flagship store joined Douyin Mall in August. During the event, he announced that pre-orders for the iPhone Air in China will begin at 9 am on October 17, with official sales starting October 22.

The meeting comes amid ongoing efforts by global tech firms to strengthen operations in China, while navigating an increasingly complex geopolitical and regulatory environment.

Apple’s focus on renewable energy and local partnerships underscores the company’s strategy of combining market expansion with sustainability initiatives in the world’s largest smartphone market.