Apple executive chairman Tim Cook is expected to attend a White House state dinner for Chinese President Xi Jinping, according to Bloomberg, as reported by multiple outlets. The event is scheduled for next week during Xi’s visit to Washington, and U.S. President Donald Trump invites Cook along with other top technology and AI leaders.
Cook has recently shifted roles at Apple, stepping down as CEO on September 1 and becoming executive chairman. In that capacity, he serves as a government liaison and engages with policymakers. One outlet notes the appointment’s purpose is to keep day-to-day political engagement separate from current CEO John Ternus, while still maintaining Apple’s access to policymakers.
Both sources say Cook has attended prior state dinners involving Xi. Earlier this year, Xi hosted a state dinner in Beijing for Trump with Cook present, and in 2015 Cook was seated next to Xi at a state dinner hosted by then-President Barack Obama.
