Baidu Inc (NASDAQ:BIDU) is forming tighter connections with U.S. tech giants like Apple Inc (NASDAQ:AAPL) and Tesla Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA), leveraging China’s overseas data transfer restrictions to expand its focus beyond its traditional search business. Reports indicated that Apple has engaged in preliminary discussions to incorporate Baidu’s generative AI technology into its devices. CEO Tim Cook’s Shanghai store launch highlights Apple’s ambitions in the country despite geopolitical tensions. Baid