US President Donald Trump is in Beijing for an important summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping as both countries discuss trade, technology and global issues. Several top American business leaders are also part of the visit, including Elon Musk, Tim Cook and Jensen Huang.
Even though the meeting focused on serious political discussions, one unexpected moment involving Musk has become one of the most talked-about clips from the visit.
Why did Elon Musk’s Beijing video go viral
A short video from the official welcome ceremony in Beijing is now going viral online. In the clip, Elon Musk can be seen standing with officials and business leaders before Donald Trump’s formal event with Xi Jinping began. Instead of waiting quietly with the delegation, Musk appeared busy recording the surroundings on his phone. Holding his mobile high in the air, he slowly turned around in circles, seemingly trying to capture a full 360-degree video of the venue.
The video showed Musk pointing his phone in different directions to record every angle around him. Wearing a formal black suit, he continued filming while standing among several officials. The moment caught people’s attention because he looked relaxed and tourist-like during a serious diplomatic event. Many users online joked that Musk looked more like a tourist than a business leader. Others compared him to a child excitedly recording everything around him.
Uno que esta disfrutando el viaje a china es el elon musk
— ElBuni (@therealbuni) May 14, 2026
(Míralo al pibe bessnet ahi al lado) pic.twitter.com/34l1El9qdx
How did social media react to Musk’s candid moment
The video quickly sparked reactions and jokes online as users flooded social media with humorous comments about Musk’s behaviour during the ceremony.
“I imagine the intelligence services of both sides hacking each other’s communications," a user wrote. Another joked, “he is scanning the Chinese… what a legend!"
“At least he’s behaving well, I hope he doesn’t get upset and start raising his arms, hopefully someone is taking care of him xq he doesn’t handle extreme happiness well," a person commented.
“Hahahahaha it’s a little kid with a phone filming everything," another wrote. A comment read, “Are you looking for Pokémon?" while another user said, “He looks like a tourist. Not there on business. He definitely cannot tell him to put his phone away."
What is Trump and Xi discussing in Beijing
As per News18 reports, Donald Trump’s current visit is his first trip to China since his 2017 presidential visit during his earlier term in office. The two-day summit is taking place at a time when tensions between the United States and China remain high over trade, technology exports, tariffs, Taiwan and the ongoing Iran conflict. As per News18 reports, both countries are discussing the idea of creating a new “Board of Trade" or “Board of Investment" system to handle future economic disputes and investments between the two nations.
Also Read | Movie theatre, food courts and AC lounges: Noida plans mega airport-style bus hub
During the visit, Chinese President Xi Jinping welcomed Trump with a grand state ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Trump is also expected to attend important meetings, cultural events and a state banquet during the visit.
