China’s VP meets with Elon Musk ahead of Trump oath

Chinese Vice President Han Zheng met with Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk on Sunday and urged US firms to “seize the opportunity” to deepen economic ties with China.

The meeting, reported by Beijing’s state media Xinhua, took place ahead of Han’s attendance at the inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump.

Han encouraged Tesla and other American businesses to “share in the fruits of China’s development” and contribute to promoting “China-US economic and trade relations.”

Musk responded by expressing Tesla’s willingness “to deepen investment cooperation with China” and play an “active role” in enhancing trade between the two nations.

China is a major market for Tesla, hosting one of its gigafactories and serving as a battleground with fast-growing local electric vehicle manufacturers. Musk, who enjoys a strong following in China, has been keen on expanding the company’s presence in the country.

Trump, during his campaign, had threatened China and other US trading partners with new tariffs. However, he has also expressed a willingness to engage in talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, whom he has openly admired. On Friday, both leaders spoke by phone and vowed to improve ties between their countries.

Han also met with Vice President-elect J.D. Vance on Sunday, further highlighting the importance of US-China dialogue amid evolving global economic challenges.