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

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 Staff

Founder, Strike Fire Productions

Jonathan Small is a bestselling 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

Most Popular

See all
Business News

JPMorgan Shuts Down Internal Message Board Comments After Employees React to Return-to-Office Mandate

Employees were given the option to leave comments about the RTO mandate with their first and last names on display — and they did not hold back.

By Sherin Shibu
Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

By Eve Gumpel
Business News

'More Soul-Crushing Than Ever': Popular Hiring Platform Finds Around 20% of Its Postings Were 'Ghost Jobs'

Is that job listing too good to be true? There's a one-in-five chance that it might be.

By Sherin Shibu
Business News

'Masculine Energy Is Good': Mark Zuckerberg Tells Joe Rogan He Thinks Companies Need More Aggression

On the most recent episode of "The Joe Rogan Experience," Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg said corporate culture has become "neutered."

By David James
Growing a Business

5 Risk-Taking Lessons From Founders Who Bet Big and Won

Discover the bold moves and strategic risks that catapulted these entrepreneurs to success. Learn how their fearless decisions can inspire your own path to growth.

By Roy Dekel
Business Models

I Transformed My Company With Employee Ownership — Here's Why You Should Too

As a business leader who recently decided to transition to an employee-owned business model, I'm sharing insights into the vast benefits for both the business and employees based on first-hand experience.

By Sarah Parks