Elon Musk treated like rock star in China: ‘He’s a global idol’
Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk has been hailed as a “pioneer” and “a global idol” during his trip to China this week. Musk, the CEO of Tesla, Twitter and SpaceX, met with three government ministers during his visit, including foreign, commerce, and industry ministers, as well as dining with CATL chairman Zeng Yuqun, who is a top battery supplier. It has been reported that Musk discussed the development of electric vehicles and connected cars, however, further details about the meetings have not been disclosed. Despite the lack of information about these meetings, Musk’s visit has sparked an outpouring of enthusiasm for him on Chinese social media.
Musk’s popularity in China comes despite growing tensions between the US and China, particularly in relation to trade, technology, and security. Apple CEO Tim Cook visited China in March, while JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon and Starbucks CEO Laxman Narasimhan are also in China this week. Investors and industry analysts are closely watching Musk’s visit, as Tesla is facing intensifying competition from Chinese-made electric vehicles and some uncertainty about expansion plans for its Shanghai plant, which produced over 700,000 Model Y and Model 3 vehicles last year.
Musk’s trip is not the first by a major US CEO to China since that the country removed its zero-COVID policy and reopened its borders. Recently, companies have been sending their top executives to China to nurture ties with the Chinese market as the world’s second-largest economy jumps back to pre-COVID business levels.
FAQs
Who did Elon Musk meet during his trip to China?
Elon Musk met with three government ministers during his trip, including foreign, commerce, and industry ministers, as well as dining with CATL chairman Zeng Yuqun, who is a top battery supplier. It has been reported that Musk discussed the development of electric vehicles and connected cars, however, further details about the meetings have not been disclosed.
Why is Elon Musk’s visit to China significant?
Musk’s visit is significant as Tesla faces intensifying competition from Chinese-made electric vehicles and some uncertainty about expansion plans for its Shanghai plant and regulators clearing the advanced driver assistance features of Tesla’s vehicles for release in China.
Which other US CEOs have recently visited China?
Recently, Apple CEO Tim Cook, JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon, and Starbucks CEO Laxman Narasimhan have visited China. These visits are seen as efforts to nurture ties with the Chinese market as the world’s second-largest economy jumps back to pre-COVID business levels.
Elon Musk revered as a worldwide icon in China, with rock star treatment
Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, SpaceX, and Twitter, has been lauded with praise during his recent trip to China. People on social media have hailed him as a “pioneer,” “Brother Ma,” and “a global idol,” while he has met with three government ministers, including China’s foreign, commerce, and industry ministers. Musk has also dined with the chairman of top battery supplier CATL, Zeng Yuqun, although the details of their conversation have not been made public.
Despite the lack of information, Chinese social media has been buzzing with excitement over Musk’s visit. One user said he is a “global idol,” while another commented, “if only China could have someone like Elon Musk.” Musk’s private jet departed Beijing for Shanghai on Wednesday, where Tesla has a factory. He is expected to meet with staff at the plant during his visit.
Musk’s trip to China has been one of several by major US CEOs since the country reopened its borders. Apple’s Tim Cook visited in March, and JPMorgan’s Jamie Dimon and Starbucks’ Laxman Narasimhan are currently in China. However, Musk’s visit has garnered more attention, despite rising US-China tensions.
Musk’s popularity in China comes amid increasing competition from Chinese-made electric vehicles, and some uncertainty surrounding expansion plans for the Shanghai plant. Investors are keen to know if Chinese regulators will clear the release of Tesla’s advanced driver assistance features, which are available in the US as part of the “Full Self Driving” software it sells for $15,000 per vehicle.