Tim Cook Says Chinese Security Talks Were 'Very Open', Bringing Apple Pay to China a Priority

china-flagTim Cook was optimistic about Apple's relationship with China following a meeting with top Chinese government officials in Beijing on Wednesday to discuss data privacy and security. Cook told China's Xinhua news agency (Via Reuters) that he had "very open" talks with a senior official.

Chinese vice premier Ma Kai, a member of the CPC Central Committee Political Bureau, met with the CEO of the world's most valuable company on Wednesday morning. They had discussed a series of topics including privacy and security. Cook described it as "very open", "fascinating" and "impressive", but he declined specifics.

As part of the interview, Cook also confirmed Apple's plan to launch Apple Pay and other technologies in China saying, "China is a really key market for us. Everything we do, we are going to work it here. Apple Pay is on the top of the list." Cook spoke to Xinhua News during his 4-day-long trip to China, which saw the CEO also visit a Foxconn factory in Zhengzhou City.

China is an increasingly important market for the Cupertino company, which now has 16 percent of the smartphone market share behind Samsung (23 percent) and Xiaomi (21 percent). Apple plans to expand its presence even further in the country by opening 25 new stores in the next two years.

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Top Rated Comments

cameronjpu Avatar
140 months ago
The headline just proves that Tim Cook knows how to play the game. There's no way he actually believes that the talks were very open, but saying that they were is crucial to stroking the Chinese politicians.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
2457282 Avatar
140 months ago
The headline just proves that Tim Cook knows how to play the game. There's no way he actually believes that the talks were very open, but saying that they were is crucial to stroking the Chinese politicians.

Probably true. Also true is how important China is for Apple. This means that like it or not, Tim has got to play the game. And play it well.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
El Hikaru Avatar
140 months ago
I think Cook is doing the right track talking to them directly. In China, tight relationship is a key to do just about anything. Close relationship is more important than honesty, or legitimacy. There are no contract papers when you rent an apartment, or order batch of merchandises without UCC like regulation. Don't be upset just because Chinese people turn their back on you. You just have not build enough friendship before dealing business with them.
I leaned from my wife who is a Chinese...
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
xero9 Avatar
140 months ago
If this is the case, then maybe there is hope for Europe/Canada after all!
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
zin Avatar
140 months ago
Wrong. You neglect to consider the Crown Corporation with its worldwide chain of central banks including the Bank of England and the Federal Reserve. There is no free market anywhere any more, and your understanding of world finance and economy is very shallow.

It is interesting that you consider the poster's understanding of world finance to be shallow when you are simply repeating a conspiracy view that was hijacked by anti-government anarchists a long time ago.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Mums Avatar
140 months ago
It has the most people, so you would expect it to be the biggest market ;).

Umm... wrong. Japan has only one twelfth the population compared to China, and is still a more powerful market. Germany, France, UK - all much smaller than China. Not understanding your illogical statement.

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Not strange at all. It's the language of capitalism. We should be very aware and used to that here in the West. You buy key assets therefore you control. End of.

Wrong. You neglect to consider the Crown Corporation with its worldwide chain of central banks including the Bank of England and the Federal Reserve. There is no free market anywhere any more, and your understanding of world finance and economy is very shallow.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)