Xiaomi Founder Lei Jun Takes Selfie With Elon Musk in Beijing

Xiaomi founder Lei Jun took a selfie with Tesla CEO Elon Musk while Musk was surrounded by fans in Beijing [1, 2].

The encounter highlights the intersection of two major players in the global electric vehicle market. As Xiaomi transitions from a smartphone giant to an automotive competitor, the public interaction between the two executives underscores the competitive yet connected nature of the industry in China.

Musk was in the Chinese capital for a visit involving President Trump [1, 2]. During the outing, crowds of Chinese fans mobbed the Tesla CEO to request photographs [1, 2]. Lei Jun captured the moment with a selfie, documenting the meeting between the two tech leaders amidst the commotion [1, 2].

This interaction comes as Xiaomi continues to scale its automotive ambitions. The company has delivered 650,000 electric vehicles ^[3]. This growth positions the smartphone manufacturer as a significant challenger to established EV brands in both domestic and international markets.

Tesla maintains a strong presence in China, but the rise of domestic manufacturers has increased pressure on the company to innovate and adjust pricing. The presence of both Musk and Lei Jun in Beijing during a high-profile diplomatic visit emphasizes the strategic importance of the Chinese market for global technology and transport sectors.

While the selfie appeared spontaneous, it serves as a visual marker of the rivalry and mutual influence between the U.S. and Chinese tech sectors. The event occurred as fans sought a moment with Musk, who has long maintained a complex relationship with the Chinese government and consumer base [1, 2].