Samsung has apologised to its Chinese customers following a string of reports from China that some of its Galaxy Note 7 smart phones have caught fire because of faulty batteries.

The statement issued Thursday on Samsung's China website also said that the company takes Chinese reports of Note 7 fires seriously and has conducted inspections of all devices with the reported problem。

Samsung said the batteries were not at fault and that its conclusions were backed up by independent third-party testing.

Samsung initiated a voluntary global recall on Sept. 2 of at least 2,500,000 Note 7 smart phones due to faulty batteries that could catch fire or explode. Analysts say the recall could cost the company billions of dollars and tarnish its brand image. (OUT)