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[Anchor] The relationship between US President-elect Donald Trump and Tesla CEO Elon Musk is becoming increasingly close. However, there is an outlook that the two may eventually split as the 'China issue' has become the biggest variable in their relationship. Reporter Kwon Young-hee reports. [Reporter] Trump has maintained a hard-line stance toward China throughout his election campaign. He declared that he would impose tariffs of up to 60% on Chinese imports. [US President-elect Donald Trump: If China or other countries do bad things, we will impose very serious tariffs.] Since his election, he has concentrated hardliners on China in the diplomatic and security lines. Senator Marco Rubio, who has been nominated as Secretary of State, argues that most-favored-nation treatment should be revoked for China. National Security Advisor nominee Representative Mike Waltz has openly called China the 'Chinese Communist Party' and stated that the US and China have entered a cold war. Transition Co-Chair Howard Rutnick, who has been nominated as Secretary of Commerce, has also expressed his opinion that he prefers 'tariffs' and wants to trade with China. Musk’s position is a bit different. Tesla has a large factory in Shanghai, China, and sales in China account for 23% of its total sales. He also opposes tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles. [Tesla CEO Elon Musk: It’s good to see electric vehicles growing in China. The future of cars will all be electric.] That’s why Musk could be the biggest variable in the Trump administration’s China policy. Some predict that Musk could play a role similar to former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, who normalized US-China relations. On the other hand, there are opinions that the two strong-willed individuals will clash. [Steve Chang, Director of SOAS China Studies: Elon Musk is just a guest invited to work for Trump. Trump always wins between what’s best for Trump and what’s best for Musk.] Newsweek reported that Musk’s relationship with China could harm his relationship with Trump and his position in the cabinet, leading to a breakup between the two. This is Kwon Young-hee from YTN. Video editing: Lim Hyeon-cheol YTN Kwon Young-hee ([email protected]) ※ 'Your tip becomes news' [KakaoTalk] Search YTN and add channel [Phone] 02-398-8585 [E-mail] [email protected] ▶ Original article: https://www.ytn.co.kr/_ln/0104_202411... ▶ Tip: https://mj.ytn.co.kr/mj/mj_write.php ▣ Subscribe to YTN YouTube channel: http://goo.gl/Ytb5SZ ⓒ YTN Unauthorized reproduction, redistribution, and use of AI data are prohibited.