Tesla’s Autonomous Driving Breakthrough in China: Elon Musk Meets with Premier Li to Discuss Transferring Data Abroad

During a recent meeting between Tesla CEO Elon Musk and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, the two discussed the possibility of allowing Tesla to transfer driving data collected in China to the US for processing. While the details of their discussion were not publicly disclosed, footage from China’s state broadcaster showed Premier Li praising Tesla as a successful example of Sino-American economic and trade cooperation.

Tesla is currently facing competition from Chinese rivals with their own autonomous driving software, and removing this barrier is crucial for its success in China. Analyst Dan Ives from Wedbush Securities believes that obtaining approval to transfer data collected in China abroad would be a game changer for Tesla. This move would allow Tesla to improve its autopilot driverless car software by leveraging its most advanced autonomous driving technology. Currently, Chinese laws prohibit the transfer of domestic data out of the country, and full self-driving autopilot has not been enabled in China.

This visit from Elon Musk to China is expected to strengthen Tesla’s presence in the Chinese electric vehicle market at a critical moment. The potential for expanding the use of full self-driving autopilot in China could significantly impact Tesla’s growth in the region. If approved, this move could also open up new opportunities for collaboration between Tesla and other companies operating in China, paving the way for further innovation and advancements in autonomous driving technology.