Tech
Elon Musk dismissed as "fake news" a report that executives at his electric vehicle company Tesla have been told to prepare for a separation of its China business ahead of a potential merger with his space exploration firm SpaceX. Tesla advisers have discussed possible options for a separation, including a spin off, sale or closure, the Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday, adding that it was unclear how quickly Tesla could move on the China business and that the plans could change. A merger between Musk's Tesla and SpaceX would raise geopolitical and regulatory hurdles, particularly in China, because SpaceX is a major U.S. defense contractor involved in national security and satellite programs, while Tesla operates wholly owned manufacturing facilities in China.