Tim Cook, CEO of Apple Inc, reaffirmed the critical role of China's supply chains in supporting the US tech giant during his recent visit to China, aligning with other multinational companies in committing to the Chinese market and integrating more deeply into global industrial and supply networks.

In a visit before the opening of the China International Supply Chain Expo, Cook said that the company is "very committed to China", citing that he has visited the country three times so far this year.

When asked about Apple's future relationship with China, Cook told China Daily: "I think it will only get better. I always do something special in China."

China is one of Apple's largest supply-chain providers and one of its most important international markets. More than 80 percent of Apple's 200 major suppliers have production in the country.

In Cook's previous visit to China last month, he also said that Apple will continue to increase investment in the country and contribute to the high-quality development of supply chains.

Cook joined a group of top executives from companies at home and abroad, including Rio Tinto Plc, Corning Inc and Chinese computer maker Lenovo Group, which are participating at this year's CISCE, which kicked off in Beijing on Tuesday.

Jason Juang, managing director of HP Greater China, told China Daily: "As one of the most dynamic and important markets in the world, China plays an important role in HP's global supply chain."

US tech company HP has always adhered to the development strategy of "in China, for China", and continuously introduced advanced technology and management expertise into the Chinese market, he said.

"We will continue to provide consumers here with continuously iterated high-quality products, boost the digital upgrading of industrial and supply chains, and actively support the construction and development of China's information technology industry," he added.

The third plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China — a meeting key to the nation's reforms and modernization progress — said that China will further deepen reform and opening-up, and facilitate international cooperation in industrial and supply chains.

Zhang Qingwei, vice-chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, China's top legislature, said during a recent meeting that China is both a participant and beneficiary of global industrial and supply chains, as well as a firm defender and builder of the chains.

The country will integrate more deeply with the global industrial and supply chain system and firmly oppose protectionism and any form of decoupling, while maintaining the desired outcome of the global public good, he said.