Apple has established its first direct-invested research and development center in China, the Zhongguancun Science Park Administrative Committee revealed on Sept. 27 via their official WeChat account.

The company will focus on developing advanced technologies including computer hardware, communications, audio and video equipment, consumer electronics technology and information technology.

Tim Cook, Apple's CEO, visited China for the ninth time in August this year. He promised to increase investment in China, and announced plans to set up the research and development center by the end of 2016. He stressed that he would actively participate in China's "Internet Plus" movement.

Apple subsequently released a statement explaining that the research and development center, which will be completed later this year, is intended to unite Apple's engineering and operation teams in China, and to continue providing cutting-edge technologies and service to customers, both in China and around the world. The statement does not specify the amount of the investment or the number of staff members expected to be employed.

Nevertheless, according to an official at the Zhongguancun Science Park Administrative Committee, the registered capital of the center is 100 million RMB, the total investment is 300 million RMB and there will be 500 employees. The center is located in Zhongguancun Chaoyang Park, near the Donghuqu Station of Beijing's Subway Line 14. Apple China had no response to the information revealed by Zhongguancun.

Zhongguancun pointed out that Apple's decision will positively impact China's economy. The center will create employment opportunities, and Apple's competition with local manufacturers will benefit consumers.