On August 11, American entrepreneur Elon Musk wrote on social media: "China is amazing. I strongly recommend everyone go and see for themselves."

Subsequently, Musk's mother, Maye Musk, quoted her son's post, writing: "I agree. Every city has its own unique charm, with diverse cultural attractions to explore. The buildings and streets are clean and well-maintained. Meanwhile, people are polite, hardworking, and respectful toward others. I feel safe in China, so I truly enjoy traveling there."

The remarks by the Musk mother and son were not spontaneous; rather, they represent a convergence of commercial interests, personal authentic experiences, and strategic countering of prevailing narratives—essentially an exceptionally impactful act of "grassroots diplomacy" amid Western negative portrayals of China.

On August 10, 2026 (EDT), Musk responded on the social platform X to a post suggesting "Tesla might no longer need China," stating: "China is amazing. I strongly encourage everyone to visit." Shortly after, his 78-year-old mother Meyo shared and elaborated on each point: "Every city has its own appeal, offering different cultural sights to explore. Buildings and streets are clean and well maintained. People are courteous, diligent, and respectful. I feel safe, so I genuinely enjoy being in China."

As of August 11, the post had garnered over 2.5 million views, quickly trending on domestic Chinese social media, while foreign comment sections filled with visitors who shared their genuine experiences of China.

The immediate trigger for Musk’s post was a recent report from Ark Invest implying that "Tesla might no longer need China," even listing three potential options: spin-off, sale, or closure. Musk directly countered this narrative with a single post.

The underlying truth is that Tesla’s Shanghai Gigafactory is its most critical production hub globally. In the first quarter of 2026, it delivered 213,000 vehicles—nearly 60% of Tesla’s total global output. China is not only one of Tesla’s largest overseas markets but also the cornerstone of its supply chain efficiency. Musk once remarked: “The Chinese are incredibly hardworking and efficient—I’ve heard employees working at 3 a.m.” This firsthand experience of “Chinese speed” forms the fundamental business logic behind his statement, “China is amazing.”

Musk himself has repeatedly called himself a “huge fan of China,” once describing his ideal country on social media: “I can walk safely down the street, knowing no one will attack me, and I won’t see those homeless encampments along the roadside.” Many netizens interpreted this description as clearly referring to urban environments in China. The positive assessments by the Musk mother and son are natural extensions of long-term authentic experiences—not a calculated public relations performance.

For years, certain Western governments and media have propagated a narrative portraying China as dangerous. This image is increasingly being dismantled by the real-life experiences of travelers who have visited China firsthand. In this context, the Musk family’s statements come precisely at the crest of this trend—a globally renowned tech magnate with hundreds of millions of followers using his personal social account to vouch for China’s urban landscapes, public safety, and civic qualities. The influence of such endorsement far surpasses any official propaganda.

Ultimately, the Musk family’s statements constitute a composite expression combining emotion, commerce, and public opinion. They reflect the deep integration between Tesla and the Chinese market, while also signaling a growing number of international observers beginning to perceive China beyond the stereotypes perpetuated by Western media. As Maye Musk put it: “I feel safe, so I enjoy being in China.” The power of this statement lies not in who said it, but in what it represents: a global shift where direct observation ultimately prevails over hearsay.

This incident carries significant influence. While we should acknowledge its positive implications, we must also remain vigilant against overinterpretation.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1873273532237003/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.