Reuters Exclusive: Tim Cook Will Meet With Top Chinese Officials In Beijing

Reuters reported Friday morning that Apple Inc. AAPL's Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook will travel to Beijing later this month to meet with top Chinese government officials.

While Cook has often traveled to China in the past, Reuters suggested his upcoming visit comes at a "critical period" amid weakening smartphone sales, the loss of a trademark dispute and the suspension of some of its online entertainment services.

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Reuters, citing a "source familiar with the matter," added that Cook will visit with senior government and Communist Party leaders, including officials in charge of propaganda.

Apple's library of online books and streaming videos were shut down in China last month due to the government's introduction of new regulations in March.

Shares of Apple were trading nearly flat ahead of Friday's market open.