Elon Musk discusses Tesla’s future in first visit to China in three years

Mr Musk’s visit comes at a time of heightened tensions between the United States and China’s technology space.

Michael Ndu-Okeke • May 31, 2023

Elon Musk and Tesla.

Tesla CEO, Elon Musk, made a surprise visit to China on Tuesday, his first in three years.

Mr Musk landed in Beijing on Tuesday and has met with some of the country’s top ministers and businessmen for discussions about the future of Tesla.

He met with Foreign Minister Qin Gang, where issues pertaining to the growth potential and market demand for electric cars in China were discussed.

Mr Qin was of the opinion that Chinese-styled modernisation, characterised by a huge population and common prosperity, will create unlimited growth potential and market demand for electric cars.

He added that the Chinese electric car market has broad prospects for development and China will continue to open up and create a better market-oriented business environment for foreign companies like Tesla.

Mr Musk also met China’s commerce and industry ministers and dined with Zeng Yuqun, the chairman of top battery supplier Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL).

China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology revealed on its website that Mr Musk also discussed with industry minister Jin Zhuanglong on the development of new electric vehicles and connected cars.

There was also discussion about Tesla’s growth in China with Commerce Minister Wang Wentao, who said that Beijing will “support long-term, stable development of Foreign-invested enterprises in China,” according to a statement by the ministry.

According to the statement, Mr Musk praised what he called “The potential of China’s development.” He was also said to have expressed willingness to “deepen mutually beneficial cooperation.”

Mr Musk’s visit comes at a time of heightened tensions between the United States and China’s technology space.

Tesla has been facing stiff competition from Chinese electric vehicle makers, and has been adjusting the prices of their vehicles in China to compete fairly with other alternatives in the country.

Mr Musk’s visit to China is the latest by a major U.S. CEO to the country. He has a giant auto factory in Beijing which is wholly owned by Tesla.

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