Boosting China at the Event Where Xi Jinping Also Sent a Congratulatory Message
"Will Increase Investment in Research and Development in China"
[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, once again defended the Chinese government's policies and expressed his intention to expand investment in China. Since Chinese President Xi Jinping personally sent a congratulatory letter for the event, controversy is also expected.
According to CNBC, Musk stated in a pre-recorded video at the "World Internet Conference" hosted by Chinese internet regulatory authorities on the 26th, "Honestly, in my view, China is leading in digitalization by investing a lot of resources and efforts to apply the latest digital technologies in various fields such as automobiles."
He added, "Tesla will expand research and development investment within China."
Musk has continued to make pro-China remarks, including saying at another event held two weeks ago that Chinese automobile companies have world-class competitiveness.
CNBC interpreted Musk's remarks in connection with the spread of negative public opinion about Tesla in China and the increasing regulatory moves by Chinese authorities.
Musk seemed aware of Chinese authorities' concerns about information leakage through Tesla's autonomous driving features, stating, "We have established a data center to store all data generated in China locally."
He explained, "All information is stored in China without being transferred overseas," and also said, "I am pleased to see various laws and regulations to strengthen data management."
Meanwhile, President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory message to the event, saying, "Digital technology is integrated with the economy, politics, culture, and society, having a broad and profound impact," and "China is willing to cooperate with other countries in the world to ensure that digital civilization benefits people of all countries and promotes the building of a shared future community for humanity."
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