Tim Cook’s third visit to China in this year

Tim Cook’s third visit to China in this year highlights China’s key role in supply chain.

Apple CEO Tim Cook is on his third visit to China this year, attending the 2nd China International Supply Chain Expo on Monday.

When asked about Chinese supply chain partners, Cook expressed deep appreciation for Apple’s Chinese collaborators, acknowledging that the company “could not do what it does without them.”

Apple relies on about 200 major suppliers, with over 80% of them based in China, as stated in Apple’s display at the supply chain expo.

“I am proud to be here… that Apple has an exhibit here with our partners,” said Cook, who was visiting the expo for the first time.

Last month, Cook visited China, including Apple’s retail store in Beijing’s Wangfujing district and a farm where iPhones and iPads are used to promote sustainable farming practices. During this trip, he met with China’s Minister of Industry and Information Technology Jin Zhuanglong, where he affirmed Apple’s commitment to growing investments in China and supporting the development of the supply chain.

Cook’s first visit to China this year occurred in March when he inaugurated a flagship Apple store in Shanghai, emphasizing that “there’s no supply chain in the world that’s more critical to us than China.”

The 2nd China International Supply Chain Expo, which started on Tuesday and runs until November 30 in Beijing, covers 120,000 square meters and includes over 600 companies, with foreign exhibitors accounting for 32% of the total.

Among the international exhibitors, the U.S. has the largest representation, followed by increased participation from Europe and Japan compared to last year, as noted by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT).

The expo will highlight six key industrial sectors, such as advanced manufacturing, green agriculture, and digital technology, featuring over 70 new products.