BEIJING: Leading American business executives, including Tim Cook, reportedly travelled to China carrying temporary “burner phones” amid growing cybersecurity concerns surrounding diplomatic and corporate engagements with Beijing.
The executives joined US President Donald Trump during his high-profile summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing this week.
Reports stated that American officials advised delegation members to avoid carrying personal electronic devices because of fears related to surveillance and data security risks. Instead, executives reportedly used stripped-down temporary phones with no corporate access or stored personal information.
Among the prominent business leaders accompanying Trump were Elon Musk, Jensen Huang, Larry Fink, and Tim Cook.
Technology and Semiconductor Talks Dominate Visit
The summit highlighted growing tensions surrounding technology, semiconductors, and global supply chains between Washington and Beijing.
Furthermore, Nvidia chief Jensen Huang reportedly joined the delegation at the last minute because of ongoing negotiations involving semiconductor export restrictions and artificial intelligence technologies.
Meanwhile, Tim Cook’s participation carried additional significance as he prepares to step down as Apple CEO later this year. Reports indicated that Cook discussed Apple’s manufacturing dependence on China while simultaneously expanding chip production partnerships within the United States.
The discussions also reflected broader concerns about reliance on Chinese manufacturing for critical American technology industries.
Security Concerns Reflect Deep Economic Dependence
US security agencies have long advised officials travelling to China to avoid using regular electronic devices because of concerns over cyber espionage and data theft.
However, analysts noted that despite heightened security precautions, many American corporations remain deeply connected to Chinese supply chains and markets.
Observers further stressed that the visit demonstrated the complicated relationship between the world’s two largest economies, where strategic competition continues alongside major commercial dependence and technological cooperation.
The man who built the iPhone just entered China carrying a burner phone because his own device is considered a security liability in Beijing. Tim Cook’s final diplomatic act before stepping down as Apple CEO on September 1 is negotiating in a country where American intelligence… pic.twitter.com/GO4Dl5bJpD
— Shanaka Anslem Perera ⚡ (@shanaka86) May 14, 2026
