Apple executive chair Tim Cook has returned to China for the third time in 2026 alone, greasing the political wheels and insisting Apple wants to do more in the country.
While he is no longer CEO, Tim Cook's new role as executive chair allows him to speak on behalf of the company on a political level. While John Ternus settles into his CEO chair, Cook is continuing to glad-hand to help Apple grow.
According to the South China Morning Post on Sunday, Tim Cook has made his third visit to China for 2026. He was spotted in a few places, including taking time to talk to the governor of Guangdong, Meng Fanli.
Guangdong is home to a large number of Apple's suppliers and partners in the country, with the region known for being a manufacturing center.
Cook told Meng that Apple was willing to expand its presence in the region, including improvements in smart manufacturing and growing its sales channels.
In response, Meng said the provincial government welcomed Apple's increased presence, and that it wanted to forge a "first-class business environment."
Cook's visit wasn't just to meet Meng. He was also spotted at an Apple Store in Guangzhou, and watched a local content creator film a martial arts video with an iPhone 18 Pro.
"Great to be back in China!," Cook wrote to his Weibo account on Saturday.
Third time's the charm
The visit marks Cook's third trip to China in 2026, and his first as Apple's executive chair.
His first was in March, visiting Apple stores in Chengdu and Beijing to mark Apple's 50th anniversary. He also spoke at the China Development Forum.
The second was in May, forming part of a U.S. technology and business delegation following U.S. President Donald Trump to a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
