Apple has pledged a donation of 30 million yuan (approximately $4.1 million) to Zhejiang University to support app development training initiatives in China.
In addition, CEO Tim Cook has visited Hangzhou, known as China’s AI center and home to the developers behind the notable chatbot DeepSeek.
Apple’s Diplomatic Efforts in China
While Apple seeks to diversify its production to countries like India and Thailand, its reliance on China remains significant, as a majority of the world’s iPhones are manufactured in a singular facility there. The relationship between the US and China has been rocky, with the Chinese government even prompting its citizens to refrain from purchasing iPhones.
This context highlights why Apple undertakes diplomatic efforts through funding various governmental initiatives. One of its longstanding endeavors is the Mobile Application Innovation Competition, which has benefited over 30,000 Chinese students.
Apple Contributes $4M for App Development in China
Today, Apple unveiled a new coding education initiative in collaboration with Zhejiang University.
Apple announced a donation of 30 million yuan to Zhejiang University, enhancing its commitment to supporting the next generation of Chinese developers. This initiative builds on ten years of support for the Mobile Application Innovation Competition and reinforces Apple’s long-term educational engagement with students and developers in Greater China.
In partnership with Zhejiang University, Apple will establish the Apple Mobile Application Incubation Fund to offer advanced technical training, including specialized courses in app development, product design, marketing, and business operations.
Tim Cook expressed that the company is privileged to assist in funding this new program.
We view programming as a powerful tool that enables individuals to create, communicate, and address challenges in innovative ways. We are honored to deepen our decade-long partnership with Zhejiang University, providing essential skills to the next generation of developers, supporting their innovative applications, and fostering lively businesses.
Cook shared a video of his visit to the university through his Weibo account.
Cook’s Visit to DeepSeek’s Hometown
One notable alumnus of Zhejiang University is Liang Wenfeng, founder of DeepSeek, and as reported by Bloomberg, Tim Cook also toured Hangzhou, the birthplace of the developers of the contentious AI platform.
According to Chinese state media, Cook recently referred to DeepSeek as “excellent.” This sentiment can also be seen as a diplomatic move in light of the app’s controversial privacy and security history.
Chinese authorities have effectively required Apple to collaborate with a local firm to launch Apple Intelligence within China.
Notable Accessories
Photo: Apple
