A leading Chinese economist argues that China should not attempt to directly replicate the SpaceX business model despite the American company’s recent successful IPO and Elon Musk’s rise to trillionaire status. Professor Shen Yingchun of Beihang University stated that China possesses different strengths and should pursue an independent development path in space exploration. She emphasized that SpaceX’s success stems from the efficiency driven by market forces, which compel innovation and cost reduction. Shen suggests China’s approach should not be a simple imitation of the US model. The economist’s comments come as China continues to invest heavily in its own space program, with a focus on state-led initiatives. This perspective highlights a potential divergence in approaches to space technology between the two nations.