Musk praises Xi as 'great leader' at White House state dinner

Elon Musk has praised Chinese President Xi Jinping as a 'great leader' during remarks at a high-profile White House state dinner hosted by US President Donald Trump. The Tesla and SpaceX chief was among a select group of business and technology executives invited to the formal event honouring the Chinese leader.

During the gathering, Musk cited China's rising prosperity and economic development as evidence of effective leadership. His comments reflected broader themes of economic achievement that have characterised discussions between US and Chinese officials in recent years.

The state dinner brought together prominent figures from the American business and technology sectors, underscoring the significance placed on US-China relations at the diplomatic level. Such high-profile forums have traditionally served as platforms for influential business leaders to engage with visiting state leaders.

Musk's remarks come amid ongoing US-China relations, which have experienced periodic tensions alongside continued commercial and diplomatic engagement. The visibility of major American business figures at state functions signals the continued importance of bilateral economic ties between the world's two largest economies.