Apple opens biggest Asian store in Beijing

BEIJING (AFP) - Apple on Saturday opened its biggest Asian store yet in Beijing, with hordes of shoppers descending on the three-floor complex that highlights the growing importance of China to the United States (US) tech giant.

The shop, on the major shopping street of Wangfujing in the heart of the capital, covers an area of 2,300 sq m, according to Chinese media reports.

China is now the second-biggest market for Apple after the US but the company has also faced frequent criticism for the conditions in which its products are produced in China.

The enthusiasm for the company's gadgets among the country's fast-growing consumer class was clear Saturday as shoppers quickly packed out the new shop shortly after it opened at 9am (9am Singapore time).