BEIJING, Sept. 17, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Western Digital^® Corp. (NASDAQ: WDC) announced today that its board of directors met in China, concluding two days in Beijing. The board is next traveling to Shenzhen SEZ, Guangdong Province, for site visits and additional meetings.

"China is both a very important market for Western Digital as well as a key manufacturing base," said Steve Milligan, president and chief executive officer, Western Digital Corporation. "As China further develops its technology industries, we look forward to expanding our relationships with a wide range of Chinese entities for the benefit of our shareholders, as well as our Chinese partners."

Over the course of its two days in Beijing, the board discussed China's development and future trends with a diverse group of Chinese and international experts. A highlight of the Beijing portion of the visit was a meeting with Chinese Vice Premier Wang Yang. "The board is extremely impressed by China's growth and development plans, as explained by the Vice Premier, and appreciative of the support the Chinese government has extended to Western Digital Corporation in this exciting market," said Western Digital board chairman, Thomas E. Pardun. Pardun also added that it was important for the board to see firsthand Western Digital's operations in this key economy.

U.S. Ambassador to China Gary Locke hosted the board of Western Digital at a reception at his residence in Beijing. Former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright accompanied the board to Beijing and all of its activities on behalf of Albright Stonebridge Group.

The board will continue its discussions while in Shenzhen, the location of key HGST manufacturing facilities. HGST is a wholly owned subsidiary of Western Digital. The board looks forward to key site visits as well as the opportunity to call on officials of the Shenzhen Municipal Government.

About Western DigitalWestern Digital Corp. (NASDAQ: WDC), Irvine, Calif., is a global provider of products and services that empower people to create, manage, experience and preserve digital content. Its companies design and manufacture storage devices, networking equipment and home entertainment products under the WD^®, HGST and G-Technology brands. Visit the Investor section of the company's website (www.westerndigital.com) to access a variety of financial and investor information.

Western Digital, WD and the WD logos are registered trademarks in the U.S. and other countries. HGST trademarks are intended and authorized for use only in countries and jurisdictions in which HGST has obtained the rights to use, market and advertise the brand. Other marks may be mentioned herein that belong to other companies.

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SOURCE Western Digital Corp.

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