Elon Musk, the magnate behind Tesla Inc, has been greeted with acclaim and high-level meetings during his trip to China, despite ongoing U.S.-China tensions. Chinese social media has been abuzz with commendations, referring to Musk as "a pioneer" and even "Brother Ma".
Since arriving in Beijing earlier this week, the esteemed entrepreneur has had private audiences with the foreign, commerce, and industry ministers of China. Musk was also invited to a meal with Zeng Yuqun, the chairman of leading battery manufacturer CATL.
The nature of these interactions remains under wraps. The industry ministry confirmed that Musk and its minister conversed about the evolution of electric vehicles and connected cars, while the commerce ministry acknowledged discussions about Tesla's growth in China. These discrete meetings, however, have not dampened the enthusiastic response to Musk's visit on Chinese social media platforms.
Social media users voiced their admiration for Musk, with one asserting, "He's a global idol." Another user expressed their wish for a Chinese counterpart to Musk, declaring, "Elon Musk is just great, if only China could have someone like Elon Musk."
Following his stay in Beijing, Musk journeyed to Shanghai, home to a Tesla manufacturing plant, as per the flight data provided by Variflight.
Musk's unexpected visit marks the latest in a series of trips made by high-ranking U.S. business leaders following China's border reopening after reversing its zero-COVID policy. Tim Cook of Apple and JPMorgan's Jamie Dimon, as well as Starbucks' Laxman Narasimhan, are all currently visiting China.
Musk's visit has created a significant buzz on social media, eclipsing the more subdued reception of his contemporaries. His remarks on artificial intelligence and electric vehicles are being keenly observed, despite the heightened tension between the U.S. and China.
Social media posts revealed an elaborate 16-course meal shared by Musk and CATL's Zeng at the exclusive Man Fu Yan restaurant, with the menu drawing attention to Tesla as a dark horse that distinguishes itself from traditional automotive companies.
While his visit has sparked considerable interest in China, Musk, known for his active Twitter presence, has remained silent on his trip thus far, given that Twitter is blocked in China.
Musk's visit, the first in three years, coincides with Tesla's increasing rivalry with Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers and potential expansion plans for the Shanghai plant.
Investor eyes are also on whether China's regulators will approve Tesla's advanced driver assistance features, part of the $15,000 per vehicle "Full Self Driving" software available in the U.S.
As the trip unfolds, further high-level meetings and a visit to the Shanghai plant are anticipated, though specifics remain undisclosed.
