Tech leaders back in China after COVID

Senior executives from tech giants in the United States spoke highly of the Chinese market and supply chain after their long-delayed return to the China Development Forum this weekend in Beijing, a sign that industry experts believe reflects their recognition of one of their biggest markets worldwide.

Tim Cook, CEO of US tech giant Apple Inc, started his speech to the forum on Saturday by saying that "it was so wonderful to be back". It was his first trip to China since the COVID-19 pandemic.

He spoke of the way Apple's relationship with China has changed from focusing on supply at first to "more and more interactions with Chinese customers" later.