Elon Musk/ Image: habr.com
According to The Wall Street Journal (WSJ), the Tesla CEO’s participation reflects the growing role of major tech corporations in economic diplomacy between the U.S. and China.
For Musk, the China track is of strategic importance. China remains one of the largest markets for Tesla, and the company’s plant in Shanghai plays a key role in the electric car maker’s global supply chain.
By the end of 2025, Tesla has delivered around 1.9 million vehicles worldwide, with a significant portion of the company’s production and sales tied specifically to the Chinese market. At the same time, Tesla depends on Chinese suppliers of batteries, rare earth materials and components for energy storage systems.
“Technological diplomacy or lobbying?
Musk’s possible participation in the negotiations reflects the changing nature of the relationship between states and major technology companies. Against the backdrop of trade restrictions, competition in artificial intelligence, semiconductors and energy technologies, private business is increasingly becoming part of the foreign economic strategy of states.
WSJ notes that Trump is eager to bring major American entrepreneurs into trade and investment discussions with Beijing. For Washington, this is not only about exports and manufacturing, but also about the battle for control of supply chains and technological leadership.
“Musk remains one of the few figures maintaining a high level of contacts in both the U.S. and China,” WSJ sources said.
For investors and markets, the news is also important because any changes in the U.S.-China relationship directly affect the value of technology companies, battery supply, the electric vehicle market and global manufacturing chains.
