Apple's retail plan for China, its massive stockpile of cash, and the environment were all topics of discussion during the company's annual shareholder meeting on Thursday. Though it was a fairly average shareholder meeting, these tidbits helped reassure investors that China's plan for Asia is as serious as the company says and that Apple's plan for its money is to keep investing in talent.

One of the biggest tidbits of news out of the meeting was that Apple plans to open "up to" 25 retail stores in China in the near future. The company's first store was opened in Beijing in 2008, not long before the 2008 Olympic Games took place there. Apple has always said that it has big plans for the Chinese market, so the news isn't so much a surprise as it is a commitment to expanding Apple's presence in a huge market. According to CNBC, the time frame for these stores to open is within the next 24 months.

On top of the China news, Steve Jobs defended Apple's $40 billion cash hoard by saying that it gives the company "tremendous security and flexibility," according to the Associated Press. By flexibility, he means it lets Apple strategically buy companies like Lala and Quattro in order to acquire talent and expand its business operations. "Who knows what's around the next corner?" Jobs reportedly said.

Apple's board also discussed a recent sustainability proposal with shareholders. Jobs told investors that the company had taken numerous steps with suppliers to use nontoxic materials and reduce waste, though environmentalists still wanted more out of the company. Extra measures might have included a detailed report out of Apple or even a sustainability committee, but those proposals were voted down by shareholders.

A few jabs at Apple board member and environmental frontman Apple Gore took place, as well as numerous observations about the health and appearance of Steve Jobs, but otherwise it was largely a run-of-the-mill meeting. In the past, Jobs has speculated about possible successors (COO Tim Cook and CFO Peter Oppenheimer, of course), but it seems this time around that no one is wondering whether Jobs is here to stay—at least for a while longer.