Tesla’s Musk praises Xi as great leader in interview with Chinese state TV

The comments by Tesla CEO Elon Musk praising Chinese President Xi Jinping came during an interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN), a state-run media outlet. Musk was in China to attend the Beijing International Automotive Exhibition and meet with government officials, including Premier Li Qiang. Tesla’s substantial operations in China, including its Shanghai Gigafactory which is crucial for its global production, highlight the importance of maintaining positive relations with Beijing.

This engagement and public endorsement occur as Western companies increasingly navigate complex geopolitical landscapes and scrutinize their presence in China. Musk's remarks could be interpreted as a strategic move to ensure continued access and favorable conditions for Tesla’s business interests within the world’s second-largest economy. China remains a significant market for electric vehicles and a vital component of Tesla's manufacturing supply chain.