Tesla CEO Elon Musk praised Chinese President Xi Jinping as a “great leader” during a CCTV interview, while also commenting on Tesla’s Shanghai factory and U.S. state‑dinner plans.

Tesla chief executive Elon Musk described Chinese President Xi Jinping as a “great leader” during a televised interview with China’s state broadcaster CCTV, sparking fresh discussion about the tech mogul’s diplomatic tone amid growing geopolitical tensions.

Musk’s remarks on CCTV

In the interview, Musk praised Xi’s leadership style, saying the Chinese president has “a clear vision for the country’s future” and “drives progress with determination.” The comments were made as part of a broader conversation about China’s role in global technology and trade.

Musk also highlighted Tesla’s Shanghai Gigafactory, noting that the plant “continues to operate smoothly” and that the company remains committed to expanding its footprint in the Chinese market.

Implications for U.S.–China relations

The praise comes at a sensitive moment, with the United States planning a state dinner for Xi later this year. Analysts say Musk’s remarks could be viewed as a diplomatic gesture, though some critics argue they blur the line between corporate interests and foreign policy.

U.S. officials have not commented directly on Musk’s statements, but the timing aligns with ongoing talks about trade tariffs, technology transfer, and the broader strategic competition between Washington and Beijing.

Reactions from stakeholders

Investors and market watchers noted a brief uptick in Tesla’s stock following the interview, while Chinese media outlets praised the CEO for “recognizing China’s achievements.”

  • Tesla shareholders expressed optimism about continued Chinese market access
  • Chinese state media highlighted the interview as evidence of strong bilateral ties
  • U.S. policy analysts cautioned against conflating corporate praise with official endorsement

Musk’s comments also revived debate over his previous visits to China and his company’s reliance on the country for a significant portion of its revenue.

The interview underscores the complex interplay between business leadership and international diplomacy in an era where tech giants wield considerable influence on the global stage.

For more details, see Reuters coverage of Musk’s praise for Xi.