Maye Musk's China Connection

Maye Musk, the 76-year-old mother of Elon Musk, has been traveling to China regularly to speak at events, model for Chinese brands, and promote Tesla. She has built a largely apolitical reputation in China as a fashion model, book author, and dietitian.

Maye's career in China took off in 2020 when her biography, A Woman Makes a Plan, was translated into Chinese. She has since registered accounts on Chinese social media platforms, including Douyin and Weibo, and has held virtual book talks with Chinese celebrities.

Maye's trips to China have also served as publicity events for Tesla. In 2023, she visited Tesla's Gigafactory in Shanghai and praised the 'quality and enthusiasm' she saw at the facility. Her social media presence in China focuses on brand advertisements, book promotions, and festive holiday videos, with little mention of politics.

Navigating Politics

In contrast, Maye's social media presence in the West has experienced a significant transformation. She has begun endorsing Republican politicians and criticizing the US media, sparking controversy and raising questions about her relationship with her son and his political influence.

Maye's ability to navigate her relationships in China while maintaining her political engagement in the US has become increasingly fraught. As tensions between the US and China escalate, Maye's actions have sparked debate about the role of American businesspeople in China and the potential risks of being seen as too close to the Chinese government.