Apple is ramping up its investment in China, building a new facility in the country, according to reports concerning the tech-maker's plans for the region.

CEO Tim Cook is said to have revealed the plans -- which reportedly include building a research and development centre -- in a meeting with senior China official Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli, Reuters reports, citing Chinese state television.

Financial details released in late July revealed that Apple's sales in China have slowed considerably, with the region dropping down to the company's third-biggest market from second place. Apple's biggest market is now the US, followed by Europe.

Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment.