Tesla has broken ground for its first factory outside the United States.
It's going to be based in Shanghai.
The U.S. automotive and energy company's successful push into China comes despite simmering trade tensions between the two economic superpowers.
Kim Hyo-sun tells us more.
Tesla's seven billion dollar-factory in Shanghai is the American auto firm's first plant outside of the U.S., and will be the company's most advanced gigafactory in the world.

"We are actually very excited and optimistic that we can set a new Tesla record for construction and make a beautiful, sustainable factory that is our most advanced Tesla gigafactory in the world, and do so in the fastest period of time that we've ever built a gigafactory because of the great resources and capabilities in Shanghai."

The factory will be partially put into operation in the second half of this year,... with an annual production capacity for 250-thousand electric cars.
Once fully operational,... it's expected to manufacture half-a-million vehicles every year,... with integrated functions of R&D, manufacturing and sales.
The gigafactory will produce cars not only for the Chinese market but also for the broader Asian market.
Tesla becomes the first company to benefit from China's new policy of enabling foreign automakers to set up wholly-owned subsidiaries within the country.

"We hope you can get a firm foothold and expand the market. We hope your company can become an in-depth participant of China's opening and a promotor of the stability of China-U.S. relations."

Despite the trade friction between Washington and Beijing, the tensions did not negatively affect the expansion of corporate investment by an American company in China.
Kim Hyo-sun, Arirang News.