From electric cars to solar panels, Mr. Musk has built businesses in high-tech manufacturing sectors now targeted by Beijing for Chinese dominance.

All of a sudden, Elon Musk had moved into the realm of politics, headlining rallies, steering government appointments, shaping the agenda for the next President of the United States. For more than three years he’s been one of the world’s richest and most powerful men.

Even as Tesla Inc. Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk is set to become a more controversial figure in China as part of Donald Trump’s administration, his mother is still a clear-cut favorite in the country.