Elon Musk: 'If That Were the Case, We Would Already Be Shut Down' Regarding Tesla Vehicles Used for Espionage

The founder of Tesla, Elon Musk, has denied reports that the electric vehicles produced by his company could be used for espionage purposes in China or any other country, as reported by The Guardian.

Speaking online at the China Development Forum, Musk commented on circulating rumors that Chinese authorities might restrict the use of Tesla electric vehicles by the military due to potential national security threats. 'We have very strong reasons to ensure the privacy of any information. If Tesla cars were being used for espionage purposes in China or elsewhere, we would already be shut down,' the entrepreneur stated.

Furthermore, he emphasized that the world's two largest economies, the U.S. and China, need to trust each other more. Previously, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing informed sources, that the Chinese government believes the American manufacturer Tesla's electric vehicles could pose a threat to national security. Therefore, the government agency has decided to limit their use for employees of military, strategic enterprises, and state agencies.

According to the newspaper, several Chinese state departments have asked their employees not to commute in these vehicles. Sources indicated that Tesla vehicle owners are prohibited from entering areas where employees of strategically important enterprises and government agencies live.