Readers of Zero Hedge know that we have been tracking Elon Musk’s fading relationship with the Chinese Communist Party for the better part of the last 18 months. And while we can barely guess what the temperature of the ever-changing relationship is today, one thing seems to be certain: Musk and the Chinese government are growing closer.
And for proof of that, look no further than a new Bloomberg Businessweek article profiling Elon Musk’s struggles in China. While the content of the article isn’t entirely new – our readers are likely very familiar with the story – one portion of the report was stunning: Musk, in true CCP form, reportedly asked the Chinese government to censor the company’s critics.
In speaking about how Tesla is trying to create relationships with journalists in China, Bloomberg buried the lede in dropping this bomb:
Previously focused on state-run media, Tesla is now trying to build relationships with auto-industry publications and influencers on platforms such as Weibo and WeChat, for example by inviting them on factory tours, and conducting group “discussion sessions” with policymakers, consumers, and media outlets. According to people familiar with the matter, it’s also complained to the government over what it sees as unwarranted attacks on social media, and asked Beijing to use its censorship powers to block some of the posts.
It appears to be more proof positive not only that Musk is working closely with the CCP, but also that Musk may be adopting their tactics for “holding the narrative together”.