Chinese vice premier meets Apple CEO

Chinese Vice Premier Liu Yandong (R) meets with visiting Apple CEO Tim Cook in Beijing, capital of China, May 12, 2015. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei)

BEIJING, May 12  -- Chinese Vice Premier Liu Yandong met with visiting Apple CEO Tim Cook Tuesday in Beijing, calling on the high-tech giant to do more in promoting China-U.S. scientific, educational cooperation.

During a meeting at the Zhongnanhai leadership compound, Liu spoke highly of Apple's business development in China and its active cooperation with China in science, technology, education and other fields.

She called on Apple to further invest in the country, play a bigger role in promoting China-U.S. exchanges, cooperate in relevant areas and make greater contributions to enhancing China-U.S. ties.

Cook said Apple attaches importance to expanding its business in China and is willing to play a constructive role in U.S.-China cooperation in science and education innovation.

Earlier Tuesday, Cook paid a visit to the Elementary School at Communication University of China in Beijing to talk about innovation.

Cook began his China visit Monday with Apple's renewable energy and environmental protection initiatives, including a new multi-year project with World Wildlife Fund to protect responsibly managed working forests across China.

Apple also announced its intent to expand its industry-leading renewable energy projects to manufacturing facilities in China.