Apple does not achieve monopoly in China: Tim Cook

Apple CEO Tim Cook speaks at the 18th China Development Forum (CDF) in Beijing on March 18, 2017. [Photo: China Plus/Li Jin]

Apple's CEO Tim Cook has said that the company hasn't reached the point of being a monopoly in China, or in any other countries.

Cook made the remarks at the opening of the China Development Forum in Beijing on Saturday, when asked about whether Apple's share in the smartphone market can be described as such.

The CEO also hailed Chinese smartphone makers, when talking about Apple's objectives.

He said: "but we don't try to make the most. Our objective has never been to make the most. So we do not have the market share objective or a unit objective if you will. I think the Chinese companies that you mentioned do really good work."

Apple CEO Tim Cook speaks at the 18th China Development Forum (CDF) in Beijing on March 18, 2017. [Photo: China Plus/Li Jin]

He added that China's domestic entrepreneurship is attributable to its home brands' performance in the face of fierce competition.

Cook also revealed that Apple plans to build two research and development centers in east Chinese cities of Shanghai and Suzhou, in order to better tap into China's pool of talents.

Initiated in 2000, the China Development Forum is aimed at building a high-level communication platform between political officials, business leaders, and scholars from the world.

This year's forum focuses on topics such as China's economic transformation and structural reforms, as well as global issues including globalization and China-US relations.