Musk: "Xi Jinping Is an Outstanding Leader... China's Infrastructure Is Better Than America’s"

Chinese Media Releases Interview Ahead of U.S.-China Summit

Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, described Chinese President Xi Jinping as an "outstanding leader."

Last May, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, where the US-China summit was held, Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla (right), is seen walking while holding hands with his son, X. Photo by AP Yonhap News

In an interview released on the online platform of China Central Television (CCTV) on the 23rd, Musk remarked, "I think President Xi is a great leader," evaluating that "China has made significant progress during his tenure."

He continued, "This is something I have experienced firsthand," adding, "When you visit China, it is very evident how much progress is made every year—even within a single year." He highlighted, "You can see new buildings and new infrastructure, and just by walking the streets, you notice how much the level of prosperity enjoyed by the average Chinese citizen has dramatically increased."

Musk emphasized, "All of this appears to have happened while President Xi has been China's leader," and added, "He has done a remarkable job and is extremely capable."

Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla. Photo captured from People's Daily New Media video.

In the interview video released by People's Daily New Media, Musk also stated, "China's infrastructure is objectively better than that of the United States."

He operates Tesla's largest manufacturing facility in China, the Shanghai Gigafactory. Musk described the Shanghai plant as a "jewel," praising the employees as "talented, dedicated, and trustworthy." The Shanghai plant serves as Tesla's key overseas production base.

This interview was filmed in California, United States, on the 22nd, and it is known that CCTV released the footage on the 23rd, ahead of President Xi's visit to the US.

Previously, when U.S. President Donald Trump visited China in May, Musk accompanied the delegation. At that time, while heading to the Great Hall of the People in Beijing for the U.S.-China summit, he was joined by his six-year-old son 'X,' who attracted attention for wearing traditional Chinese attire.

Meanwhile, President Xi, who is currently visiting the United States, is scheduled to hold a summit with President Trump on the 24th (U.S. Eastern Time). China’s state-run Xinhua News Agency reported that President Trump welcomed President Xi and his wife at the Washington airport, noting, "President Xi is a great leader and this is a great moment."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.