Could Elon Musk really move his tech empire to China?

Donald Trump’s recent spats with Elon Musk – which included threats to deport the South African-born billionaire – have prompted speculation that he might move his business empire to China.

The pair fell out over the US president’s tax and spending plans and the Tesla and SpaceX boss’s subsequent threats to create a new political party.

That prompted Trump to write on social media earlier this month: “Elon may get more subsidy than any human being in history, by far, and without subsidies, Elon would probably have to close up shop and head back home to South Africa. No more Rocket launches, satellites, or Electric Car Production, and our Country would save a FORTUNE.”

Musk’s business empire has collected US$38 billion in government contracts, loans, subsidies and tax credits, according to The Washington Post.

“If tensions escalate between Musk and Trump – especially over issues such as regulation, subsidies, censorship or taxation – there is a possibility that Musk might move more R&D or manufacturing capabilities abroad,” said Denis Simon, a non-resident fellow at the US think tank the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft.

“China, with its advanced supply chains and infrastructure, could become a favoured destination.