Tuesday, China's foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning says that China has "always welcomed business people from various countries, including Mr. Musk, to visit China to better understand China and promote mutually beneficial cooperation."

She continued saying: "China also firmly promotes high-level opening up, and is committed to creating a market-oriented, law-based, internationalized business environment. We are happy to see foreign enterprises investing in new business in China, taking root in the Chinese market and sharing development opportunities."