Tesla CEO Elon Musk is reportedly planning a trip to China as early as April, aiming to secure a meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang, according to two sources familiar with the trip's planning who spoke to Reuters. The exact timing of Musk's visit depends on Premier Li's availability.
Tesla and China's State Council Information Office did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Friday. China represents Tesla's second-largest market after the United States, and its Shanghai factory serves as the electric vehicle maker's primary production hub.
Musk's upcoming visit would be his first to China since the COVID-19 pandemic began and since Xi Jinping secured a third term as the country's president. Premier Li previously served as Shanghai's party secretary, where he oversaw the construction and opening of Tesla's factory before becoming premier in March.
Musk's most recent visit to China occurred in early 2020 when he danced on stage during a Shanghai factory event, creating a buzz on the internet. He has since given virtual speeches at forums like China's World Internet Conference.
Musk and Li have met previously during the 2019 opening of the Shanghai plant. In 2020, they participated in an online meeting where Musk expressed gratitude to the then-Shanghai party secretary for supporting the plant's operations during the pandemic's outbreak, as reported by local media.
Musk's planned visit coincides with China's efforts to attract more foreign investment to bolster an economy weakened by three years of COVID-related restrictions. Li has led these efforts, speaking at business events attended by prominent figures such as Apple's Tim Cook and Pfizer's Albert Bourla.
The sources did not specify what topics Musk intends to discuss with Li or his plans during the China visit.
Tesla faces numerous challenges, including delays in its plans to more than double production capacity at the Shanghai plant. The company's vehicles have been banned from Chinese military complexes and political meeting venues due to concerns over onboard cameras. Additionally, Tesla is still awaiting Beijing's approval to offer its full self-driving technology in China.
Twitter, which Musk acquired last year for $44 billion, also counts China as one of its largest non-US revenue sources, as sources told Reuters. Twitter's operations in China have reportedly caused internal divisions between teams eager to capitalize on the sales opportunity and those concerned about the implications of doing business with state-affiliated entities amid escalating tensions between Beijing and Washington.
