In China decoupling, companies still rely on Chinese know-how

Experienced talent tough to replace at Tesla plant and other production hubs

20230316N Tesla Fremont

Engineers from Shanghai are playing a key role in Tesla's expansion of its Fremont factory. © Reuters

RYOSUKE MATSUI, Nikkei staff writer

TOKYO -- As more companies seek to move production away from China amid geopolitical tensions, many still find themselves depending on the expertise of Chinese workers, an invaluable resource developed in a country that has long been the "world's factory."

In late December, a Tesla plant in Fremont, California, had more than 200 engineers from the automaker's Shanghai facilities assisting in expanding production of the Model S and other electric vehicles.

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