Get All Access for $5/mo

The Chinese Media Lashes Out at Musk for His Coronavirus Tweet The Global Times criticized the billionaire for fueling a 'conspiracy theory that slanders China.'

By Jonathan Small

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

The Chinese State Media is not happy about one of Elon Musk's recent Tweets, warning that it could cost the richest man in the world business.

According to a report by CNBC, The Global Times called the Tesla and Twitter CEO out for advancing what they call a "conspiracy theory that slanders China" about covid leaking from a Chinese lab.

Musk was responding to a tweet claiming that Anthony S. Fauci, the former medical adviser to President Biden and Trump, funded the creation of the coronavirus.

"He did it via a pass-through organization (EcoHealth)," Musk tweeted, implying that the unproven theory was true.

In a social post of their own,The Global Times snapped back, "these remarks of his have been continuously used by those US right-wing and anti-China media hostile to China as material to frame China."

Related: Elon Musk Says Media In the U.S. Is 'Racist Against Whites & Asians' After Newspapers Drop Dilbert Comic

Don't bite the hand that feeds you

The Global Times also asked if Musk is "breaking the pot of China," an expression similar to the English phrase "biting the hand that feeds you," according to CNBC reporter Eunice Woon.

Bad relations with the Chinese government could be disastrous for business. China is Tesla's second-largest market after the United States, making up around 40 percent of its total sales. Tesla also has a massive factory in Shanghai.

Musk has not responded to the Global Times' post.

Jonathan Small

Entrepreneur Leadership Network® VIP

Founder, Write About Now Media

Jonathan Small is an award-winning author, journalist, producer, and podcast host. For 25 years, he has worked as a sought-after storyteller for top media companies such as The New York Times, Hearst, Entrepreneur, and Condé Nast. He has held executive roles at Glamour, Fitness, and Entrepreneur and regularly contributes to The New York Times, TV Guide, Cosmo, Details, Maxim, and Good Housekeeping. He is the former “Jake” advice columnist for Glamour magazine and the “Guy Guru” at Cosmo.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Editor's Pick

Business News

Apple Reportedly Isn't Paying OpenAI to Use ChatGPT in iPhones

The next big iPhone update brings ChatGPT directly to Apple devices.

Business News

Sony Pictures Entertainment Purchases Struggling, Cult-Favorite Movie Theater Chain

Alamo Drafthouse originally emerged from bankruptcy in June 2021.

Marketing

Are Your Business's Local Listings Accurate and Up-to-Date? Here Are the Consequences You Could Face If Not.

Why accurate local listings are crucial for business success — and how to avoid the pitfalls of outdated information.

Growing a Business

He Immigrated to the U.S. and Got a Job at McDonald's — Then His Aversion to Being 'Too Comfortable' Led to a Fast-Growing Company That's Hard to Miss

Voyo Popovic launched his moving and storage company in 2018 — and he's been innovating in the industry ever since.

Money & Finance

Day Traders Often Ignore This One Topic At Their Peril

Boring things — like taxes — can sometimes be highly profitable.

Productivity

Want to Be More Productive Than Ever? Treat Your Personal Life Like a Work Project.

It pays to emphasize efficiency and efficacy when managing personal time.