According to two sources with knowledge of the matter, Tesla CEO Elon Musk is planning a visit to China as early as April and is seeking a meeting with Premier Li Qiang. The exact timing of the visit is dependent on Li’s availability, but this would mark Musk’s first visit to China since the COVID-19 pandemic and since Xi Jinping secured a third term as China’s president. China is Tesla’s second-largest market after the United States, and its Shanghai plant is the electric carmaker’s largest production hub.
Musk’s previous visit to China was in early 2020, during which he danced on stage during an event at the Shanghai factory. Since then, he has given virtual speeches at various forums, including China’s World Internet Conference. Li and Musk have previously met at the 2019 opening of the Shanghai plant and participated in online meetings in 2020, during which Musk thanked Li for supporting the plant’s operations during the pandemic.
As China attempts to attract more foreign investment to aid an economy battered by three years of COVID restrictions, Li has been at the forefront of that effort. Over the past week, he has spoken at business events attended by the likes of Apple’s Tim Cook and Pfizer’s Albert Bourla.
Tesla and China’s State Council Information Office have yet to comment on the matter. However, Musk’s potential visit to China highlights the country’s importance to Tesla’s growth strategy. The Chinese government has encouraged the adoption of electric vehicles and has set ambitious targets for their growth, which Tesla is well-positioned to benefit from.
China’s EV market is also becoming increasingly competitive, with domestic manufacturers such as Nio and Xpeng Motors gaining market share. Tesla’s success in China will be crucial in maintaining its position as a leader in the global EV market. A meeting with Premier Li could also provide an opportunity for Musk to discuss potential government support or partnerships that could benefit Tesla’s operations in China.
In conclusion, Elon Musk’s potential visit to China and his meeting with Premier Li Qiang underscores the country’s importance to Tesla’s global growth strategy. As China continues to promote the adoption of electric vehicles, Tesla’s success in the country will be critical to its position as a leader in the global EV market. A meeting with Premier Li could also provide an opportunity for Musk to discuss potential government support or partnerships that could aid Tesla’s operations in China.