Chinese Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao meets with Apple CEO Tim Cook in Beijing on October 16, 2025. Photo: MOFCOM

Chinese Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao on Thursday met with Apple CEO Tim Cook in Beijing. They exchanged views on China-US economic and trade relations and the development of Apple's business in China, according to a release on the ministry's official WeChat account.

During the meeting, Wang said that since May, under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, the economic and trade teams of China and the US have held four rounds of talks, which helped stabilize bilateral economic and trade relations. 

Recent fluctuations in China-US economic and trade relations are primarily caused by the US' intensive rollout of a series of restrictive measures against China after the Madrid trade talks. These actions have severely harmed China's interests and undermined the atmosphere for bilateral economic and trade dialogue. Maintaining overall stability in these relations requires both sides to meet each other halfway, Wang said.

The commerce minister expressed hope that the US side would work with China, guided by the important consensus reached between the two heads of state, to seek solutions through dialogue and consultation, and to foster a more stable and predictable environment for cooperation between enterprises of both countries.

The Chinese government will unswervingly advance high-standard opening-up, continuously improve the business environment, and enable foreign-invested enterprises to share in the opportunities of China's development. We welcome Apple to continue deepening its cooperation with China and expanding its investment in the country, Wang said. 

Cook said Apple is committed to remaining firmly rooted in China, deepening its local presence, and actively participating in China's pursuit of high-quality development, according to the release.  

A sound US-China economic and trade relationship is vital for both nations and conducive to global economic stability and growth. Apple stands ready to contribute positively to fostering win-win cooperation between the two countries, Cook said, according to the release.