Elon Musk Observed in Beijing Prior to Trump-Xi Summit

US-China Summit: Elon Musk's Relaxed Behavior Sparks Online Discussion

Elon Musk drew attention in Beijing after a video showed him spinning around while filming the surroundings on his phone ahead of a formal welcome ceremony attended by US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

The viral clip, widely shared on social media on Thursday, captured Musk standing alongside Apple CEO Tim Cook and US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent before the summit began at the Great Hall of the People.

The gathering marked one of the most closely watched meetings between Washington and Beijing in recent years, with trade, artificial intelligence, Taiwan, and investment ties dominating the agenda. Trump arrived in the Chinese capital on May 13 with a delegation that included some of America's most influential business executives, among them Musk, Cook, Nvidia chief Jensen Huang, BlackRock CEO Larry Fink, and Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon.

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Elon Musk's relaxed behavior before the ceremony quickly became a talking point online, contrasting with the highly formal setting of the diplomatic event. The Tesla and SpaceX chief has maintained deep business ties with China, where Tesla operates its major Shanghai Gigafactory. His appearance alongside senior American officials highlighted the growing role played by technology executives in shaping economic discussions between the world's two largest economies.

Chinese state media described the summit as historic, while officials from both countries signalled interest in improving trade and investment cooperation after months of tension. During meetings in Beijing, Xi reportedly told visiting executives that China would continue opening its economy to foreign companies. Trump, meanwhile, said China was prepared to increase investment in American technology firms and expand purchases of US goods.

Scott Bessent said discussions were also expected to cover artificial intelligence safety and future trade mechanisms between the two countries. Analysts view the summit as an attempt to stabilise relations amid disputes over tariffs, technology restrictions, and geopolitical rivalry in the Asia-Pacific region.

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The ceremony in Beijing included military honours, a state banquet, and meetings involving senior officials from both governments. While diplomacy remained the focus, Musk's unscripted moment with his phone offered a lighter image from an otherwise tightly choreographed political event.