China pampers Elon Musk's mother Maye; will Xi Jinping use her to arm-twist Donald Trump?

While Elon Musk is currently the talk of Washington, his mother, Maye Musk, is illuminating Beijing and other Chinese cities she visits.

For years, the 76-year-old mother of the richest man in the world has been travelling throughout the PRC. According to The Guardian's senior China correspondent, she has signed copies of the Chinese edition of her book, A Woman Makes a Plan, walked the red carpet at a cosmetics show in Wuhan, and attended a gala dinner in Hangzhou just this month, as quoted in a report by The Daily Beast.

On X, her son's social media platform, two weeks ago, she wrote to her Chinese fans, thanking them for making it a bestseller.


However, China's bestseller list does not include Maye Musk's book. Walter Isaacson's biography of her son Elon Musk was the only Musk-related book on the Chinese bestseller lists in October, according to The Guardian. Nevertheless, Maye Musk has suddenly become a valuable resource for China.

As her billionaire global businessman son has enormous influence over the U.S. federal government, she is reportedly adored by the nation she visits almost every month, making her China's secret weapon, according to The Guardian.

Both her son's and the attractive, silver-haired Musk's fortunes are increasing. The Chinese consumer electronics company Oppo appointed Musk, a former model, dietitian, and survivor of domestic abuse who reared three children alone, as its global ambassador last year.

China’s Growing Ties with the Musk Legacy

Musk's fortunes are rising alongside his son's, with Tesla selling more cars in China than anywhere except the United States.

Democrats in Congress accused Musk of pushing a government shutdown the week before Christmas for his own business profitability in China. Rep. Jim McGovern wrote on X that his bottom line depends on staying in China's good graces.

The conservative Heritage Foundation, which wrote the Trump world blueprint for revamping the federal government, is a big fan of the Department of Government Efficiency, which Musk has begun planning ahead of Jan. 20. However, the Heritage Foundation is no fan of China and touted its tougher, smarter strategy to win the #NewColdWar with China.

FAQs

Why is Maye Musk gaining popularity in China?
Maye Musk, a former model and author, has become a celebrity in China, attending high-profile events and representing brands, thereby increasing her influence in the region.

How will Maye Musk's role affect US-China relations?
Her growing prominence coincides with her son Elon Musk's business ties in China, sparking speculation about China's strategic use of her public image amidst geopolitical tensions.