Apple Inc. CEO Tim Cook has made a visit to Hangzhou, China’s burgeoning artificial intelligence hub, a city that is also home to AI startup DeepSeek, known for its cost-effective AI models that have challenged American rivals, Bloomberg reports.
Cook met with “the next generation of developers” at Zhejiang University on Wednesday, according to a post on his official Weibo account. Zhejiang University boasts an impressive alumni network of tech executives, including DeepSeek founder Liang Wenfeng and Colin Huang of e-commerce giant PDD Holdings Inc. Apple announced a donation of 30 million yuan ($4.1 million) to the university in a statement
Hangzhou is also the headquarters of Chinese tech giant Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. and is home to several of the country’s most respected tech firms, known as the “Six Little Dragons.” These firms, which include AI startup Manycore Tech Inc. and humanoid robot maker Unitree Robotics, have fueled hopes for a Chinese tech revival despite ongoing US export controls.
It is currently unknown if Cook plans to visit any of these companies during his stay in Hangzhou. Apple representatives have not yet responded to requests for comment.
The first stop on Cook’s China tour included a meeting in Beijing with Chinese Premier Li Qiang. This visit comes as the United States threatens to impose additional tariffs and sanctions on Chinese tech companies.
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