10:47 AM EDT, 03/20/2024 (MT Newswires) -- Apple ( AAPL ) Chief Executive Tim Cook said no supply chain in the world is "more critical to us than China," the China Daily reported Wednesday, citing an interview with Cook during his visit to the country.

Cook said the iPhone maker began its relationship with Chinese suppliers nearly 30 years ago. "We've been building up and investing more and more," the news outlet quoted Cook as saying. "Today's factories are so much more modern. And in 10 years from now, we will keep advancing."

Cook saw various product exhibitions from Chinese suppliers such as BYD, Lens and Everwin in Apple's ( AAPL ) Shanghai office, according to the report.

Apple ( AAPL ) didn't immediately respond to MT Newswires' request for comment.

(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

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