I'd say he is actually navigating - not cucking. The only choices for some countries is to either not have X allowed at all, or provide the people there with a handicapped X but which at least provides some openness, plus ability to network and explore.

Staying on Xi's good side should be on every leaders priority list, too. Doesn't mean you do his bidding, or even have to consider his wishes much, but you are a blind fool to play the card of being a moral superior with the worlds probably second most important human. And Musks business in China is something a whole lot of people, not just him, depends on. As long as he doesn't have to make egregious sacrifices against his conscience, being friendly only serves both.

That's the difference between politics - and business. 😉

Around the anti-semitic tired brawls, there's just not a good side or correct decision to be had in that whole mess. Most people would be well recommended to say as little as possible about the horrors going on there right now. When we can honestly say we've gotten real information and evidence, it's time to judge. Musk did take the side of what has to be considered the diplomatically viable one at the current time.

I've never pegged him as not genuine. At all. And that's probably almost unique at that level of fame and influence, I can't say I can think of a single other widely famed person I don't find incredibly false. I also have not, so far - yet, been given a reason by him to change that impression. He hasn't been caught doing anything that conflicts with what he openly intended, afaik.

Genuine is not opposite of calculated.
If you are not calculated at that level of industry, you will be short lived, and so will your companies. At the same time, by calculating correctly you also have the freedom of being actually open and genuine, which is vital to gather and keep real talents, and a few of the genuises around. Which you need in businesses like sending the human race to other planets.

He wouldn't have gotten halfway to the current amazing rockets or the cybercar, if he were dishonest or untrustworthy - or whose word could not be counted on.

You're selling him short. And I suspect you are confusing the impression Aspergers gives, and how cold and calculated sociopaths vibe. It's insanely opposite each other, but kinda looks/feels the same to the unitiated/experienced. 😉