He Lifeng on Apple

He Lifeng, in his capacity as a top Chinese trade negotiator and Vice Premier, has engaged directly with Apple's CEO, Tim Cook, as part of broader outreach to leading global executives. This engagement occurred during the World Economic Forum in Davos and in separate meetings in Beijing in March 2025, suggesting a direct, high-level channel for communication regarding Apple's operations in China. These meetings are consistent with the government's practice of privately meeting with executives to discuss global economic situations, trade cooperation, and investment expansion. The context of these discussions often centers on China's commitment to high-standard opening up and continuous improvement of the business environment, encouraging foreign enterprises to expand their investment.

Business executives from major multinational companies, including Apple, have expressed optimism about China's economic prospects and their willingness to commit to long-term cooperation during these high-level engagements. While the specific details of assurances or policy concessions made to Apple are not always public, the consistent meetings signal an official recognition of Apple's significant presence and importance to the Chinese economy. He Lifeng has also used such forums to actively address business complaints regarding local competition and licensing delays, indicating a proactive, if guarded, governmental stance toward maintaining foreign direct investment.