By Greg Gao

(JW Insights) Apr 14 -- Several top international executive from Apple's CEO to Intel's CEO paid their visits to Beijing to show their continued support for China market and their operations, as the US-China geopolitical tensions escalate, reported JW Insights.

Several top tech and semiconductor executives attended China Development Forum(CDF) 2023, which was held from March 26~29 in Beijing for the first time since 2020. They include Apple CEO Tim Cook, the global president of the Dutch company ASML Peter Wennink, executive chairman of Samsung Electronics Jay Y. Lee, the CEO and President of Qualcomm Cristiano Amon.

Multinational companies are increasingly caught in a dilemma by the US-China geopolitical tensions and the continuous technology sanctions against China by the US and its allies, along with a series of financial problems caused by the US interest rate hike.

Apple's Cook delivered an impassioned speech at the China forum, noting that the relationship between China and Apple has been “symbiotic.” “I am thrilled to be back in China. It means the world to me, and I feel really privileged to be here,” he was quoted saying.

An entourage of one of the participating executives told JW Insights that in the past three years, the high-level forum had been held online due to Covid 19 restriction measures. Still, offline activities can more effectively promote communication and exchanges among all parties. “All previous high-level forums have been held after China’s annual Two Sessions. We believe that this will help foreign companies understand the latest situation, China’s development plan, investment environment.”

“For many executives, this year’s high-level forum is the first time they have the opportunity to inspect their business in China after the country relaxed travel policy this year, and it is also the first opportunity to communicate with China’s new leadership team face-to-face and increase mutual understanding,” he added.

Speaking at a high-level forum, Qualcomm’s Amon advocated the adoption of 5G and supported China’s recent plan to accelerate digital development. He also met China’s Commerce Minister Wang Wentao. The two exchanged views on China-US economic and trade relations, Qualcomm’s development in China, and the promotion of digital transformation.

This week Intel's CEO Patrick Paul Gelsinger also made his visit to Beijing. He met China's Minister of Commerce Wang as well and exchanged views on maintaining the security and stability of the global semiconductor industry chain. Wang said China would adhere to high-level opening-up, and the country’s door will open wider, reported China Daily.