As the two world’s largest economies, USA and China, slug it out for supremacy on the world stage; there is much collateral damage to other countries. However, because of the fallout, there may be many new opportunities for those who know how to capitalize on them. With the US accusing China (rightfully I might add) of a host of indiscretions ranging from theft of data privacy to indulging in unfair trade practices to attempting to encroach on territorial waters in the South China Sea, Beijing remains steadfast in its approach. Both countries have headstrong leaders at their helm, with none of them wanting to give in to the others demands at their own perceived cost. US President Donald Trump’s leadership style and his nationalistic agenda have unsurprisingly created himself many foes within not only his own government but also the business community at large. One such business tycoon who does not see eye to eye with the President is Tesla Motors boss and technology entrepreneur Elon Musk.
Musk it seems has his own agenda; getting into bed with the enemy and blatantly soliciting business from the Chinese. Just as President Trump is promoting the make in America agenda in the hope of reviving the ailing industrial sector and plans on negotiating more favourable trade agreements with countries across the globe (but especially China), Musk broke ground on the electric carmaker’s huge factory in Shanghai on Monday, kick-starting a plan to eventually make half a million vehicles in China every year. The company is aiming to complete the initial construction of the plant this summer. The investment is pegged to be at a value of $5 billion and will be Tesla’s first car manufacturing facility outside the US. However, it comes at a time where China’s economy is showing signs of strain amid the trade war with the US and the car market shrunk last year for the first time in two decades as domestic demand weakened and the stock market slumped.
The Chinese and Musk seem to enjoy each other’s presence so much that Chinese Premier Li Keqiang has reportedly offered Musk the very rare honour of becoming a permanent resident in China after Musk said he would be visiting the country more often and was heaping praises on China.
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