On September 23, 2026, Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, praised China's President Xi Jinping, describing him as a "great leader" who has done an "excellent job" during his time in office. In an interview with Chinese state broadcaster CCTV, Musk highlighted the significant economic progress China has made under Xi's leadership. He noted that his multiple visits to the country have allowed him to witness firsthand its rapid evolution. Musk's comments come as Tesla maintains a significant presence in China, with a major factory in Shanghai.
Musk attributed China's growth to its infrastructure development and improving prosperity. He stated that the country's progress is noticeable from one year to another, and sometimes within the same year. The Chinese government has invested heavily in infrastructure, with approximately 15,200 billion yuan spent on transportation infrastructure between 2021 and 2024. This investment has led to the expansion of China's high-speed rail network, which now connects most of its major cities.
According to the World Bank, China's GDP was approximately $2,300 billion in 2005. Twenty years later, the country's economy has grown significantly, with a GDP several times that amount. This growth can be attributed to China's industrialization, urbanization, and export expansion, as well as rising living standards. The country's transportation sector has also undergone considerable development, with around 162,000 kilometers of railway tracks and 48,000 kilometers of high-speed lines as of 2024.
The World Bank estimates that nearly 800 million Chinese people have escaped extreme poverty over the past four decades. This achievement is linked to various factors, including economic growth, reforms, public investments, and poverty reduction policies. While these indicators cover a period beyond Xi Jinping's presidency, which began in 2013, they demonstrate the significant progress China has made in reducing poverty and improving living standards.
Tesla's presence in China is substantial, with the company's Shanghai factory producing vehicles for both the local market and export. This industrial presence gives Musk a unique perspective on the country, which he drew upon when praising Xi Jinping's leadership. However, it is essential to note that China's economic transformation is a long-term process that spans multiple presidencies.
Musk's comments on Xi Jinping's leadership and China's growth coincide with a complex geopolitical landscape. As the CEO of a US-based company with significant interests in China, Musk's views may be seen as influential in shaping perceptions of the country's leadership and economic development. Nevertheless, his opinions reflect his personal assessment of Xi Jinping's achievements and the transformations he has witnessed in China.
The Chinese government's efforts to promote economic growth and development have yielded significant results, with the country's high-speed rail network and infrastructure investments serving as notable examples. As Tesla continues to operate in China, Musk's comments on Xi Jinping's leadership and the country's progress will likely be closely watched by observers in both the US and China.
Key points
- Elon Musk praises Xi Jinping's leadership, citing China's economic growth and infrastructure development.
- Tesla maintains a significant presence in China, with a major factory in Shanghai producing vehicles for local and export markets.
- China's GDP has grown significantly over the past two decades, with the country's economy now several times larger than it was in 2005.
