Apple Inc.'s chief executive officer Tim Cook was spotted at an Apple store in downtown Beijing on Monday during his surprising visit to China, Chinese media reported Tuesday.

Apple spokesperson confirmed that Cook is visiting China and that he had meetings with Chinese officials. The U.S. technology giant also said China is very important to Apple and it's looking forward to making greater investment and growth in the country.

Market rumor also said Cook will meet with executives from China Telecom and China Unicom, the two carriers that currently sell iPhones in China, for further strategic cooperation moves.

China Telecom, the country's third-largest mobile carrier, has just joined its bigger rival China Unicom in selling the iPhone early the month, bringing Apple tens of millions of potential customers.

Cook was spotted while visiting the Apple store at Joy City Mall in the busy Xidan shopping area in downtown Beijing. He was quickly recognized by customers at the store and asked to pose for pictures with them.

Cook's first China visit as Apple's CEO triggered speculation that Apple might change its market strategy towards China, Apple's biggest market outside his home market. Apple's founder and former CEO Steve Jobs, who died last October, never visited China.

Many Apple fans and experts said Apple might launch sales of its products on the Chinese mainland at earlier dates in the future.

Apple usually starts selling its iconic iPhone and iPads in China months after debuting them in the United States and other major markets. The practices have triggered complaints from Apple fans and also led to opportunities for scalpers on the black market.

Apple is still deadlocked in a legal dispute with Chinese electronics firm Proview Shenzhen over the rights to use the "iPad" trademark in the country. 

Source:china.org.cn