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Chinese state media calls out Elon Musk over coronavirus tweet

Global Times newspaper criticizes Musk for advancing a ‘conspiracy theory’ about the virus’s origin

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February 28, 2023 at 3:58 p.m. EST
Tesla CEO Elon Musk responded to a tweet advancing a conspiracy theory about Anthony S. Fauci, the former chief medical adviser to the president. (Aly Song/Reuters)
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Chinese state media called out Elon Musk this week for responding to a post about the origin of the coronavirus, potentially signaling strained relations between the Tesla CEO and the country where many of the cars’ parts are manufactured.

The Global Times, a state-backed newspaper known for its hawkish takes on U.S.-China relations, posted an essay on social media this week criticizing Musk for advancing a “conspiracy theory” about the coronavirus.