In a significant move underscoring Apple's deepening ties with China, Jeff Williams, the tech giant's chief operating officer, met with Meng Fanli, Party chief of Shenzhen, yesterday.
The meeting highlighted Shenzhen's burgeoning role as a hub of innovation and economic vitality and reflected Apple's ongoing commitment to its strategic partnership with China, according to media reports.
Meng warmly welcomed Williams and his delegation, emphasizing Shenzhen's robust economic and social development. "Shenzhen is a city that thrives on reform, opening up, innovation, and youthful dynamism," Meng stated. "We are steadfast in deepening comprehensive reforms, fostering a high-level socialist market economy, promoting high-level opening up, and driving high-quality development."
Meng invited Apple to expand its business and investment in Shenzhen, encouraging the company to explore enhanced cooperation within the supply chain. He assured Williams that Shenzhen would continue to provide a world-class market-oriented, law-based and international business environment.
Williams praised Shenzhen's impressive achievements and pioneering spirit. He reaffirmed Apple's commitment to strengthening its cooperation with Shenzhen, recognizing the city as a crucial market for Apple's ongoing expansion in China.
Following the meeting, Williams and his team visited the Apple Store at the Yitian Holiday Plaza in Nanshan District. Deirdre O'Brien, Apple's vice president of retail and people, shared highlights of the visit on social media and expressed appreciation for students who shared short films shot with the iPhone's cinematic mode and edited on a Mac. This visit echoes a similar one by Apple CEO Tim Cook in 2016.
Earlier in his trip to China, Williams and his team visited the Apple retail store in Wangfujing, Beijing, where they discussed the Vision Pro with developers and users.
Additionally, on Monday, Williams joined a delegation from the U.S.-China Business Council for a meeting with Wang Yi, minister of foreign affairs, in Beijing.