"AI and Augmented Reality Development Accelerates"…Apple CEO's View on Chinese Technology

Apple's 30th Anniversary of Entering China
"Every Time We Come to China, We Learn from Its Culture"
Plans to Increase Spending on Rural Education Programs Announced

On the 25th, the China Development Forum (CDF) was held in Beijing, China, where Tim Cook, CEO of Apple, who attended the forum, emphasized the friendly relationship with China.

According to China's state-run Global Times (GT) on the 25th, Cook attended the CDF held at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing under the theme "Economic Recovery: Opportunities and Cooperation," saying, "I am glad to be back in China." This forum was the first international event held since the Chinese government eased COVID-19 prevention measures and transitioned to a with-COVID policy. The event was reportedly attended by many prominent figures, including Lee Jae-yong, chairman of Samsung Electronics, Ray Dalio, founder of the world's largest hedge fund Bridgewater Associates, and the CEO of Pfizer.

On the 24th, Tim Cook, Apple CEO, visited an Apple store in Beijing and took photos with visitors. (Source= Tim Cook Weibo)

At the event, Cook mentioned that Apple is celebrating its 30th anniversary of entering China this year, explaining, "I visited China before joining Apple, so my connection with China goes back a long way," and added, "Apple has grown together with Chinese customers and partners." Apple first entered China by opening an office in Beijing in 1993.

He continued, "Every time I come to China, I learn something, mostly about the culture," emphasizing, "Many things in China have changed due to modernization and industrialization, but the culture remains unchanged." He further added, "I love that culture."

According to GT, Cook did not respond to reporters' questions about future plans in the Chinese market amid concerns over decoupling from the U.S. and supply chain conflicts. Regarding China's technological development, he said, "Innovation is progressing very rapidly, and technological advancements in fields including artificial intelligence (AI) and augmented reality will accelerate."

GT interpreted Cook's attendance as reflecting the willingness of U.S. companies toward the Chinese market despite increasing demands from U.S. officials for economic decoupling and supply chain restructuring from China.

He also expressed his intention to invest in Chinese educational programs. According to Bloomberg, Cook plans to increase spending on rural education programs in China to 100 million yuan (approximately 18.9 billion KRW), stating, "In a rapidly changing world, it is important for children to develop both computer coding skills and critical thinking abilities."