Taiwan has delivered a resolute response to billionaire Elon Musk’s recent comments, emphasizing that it is “not for sale” after he described Taiwan as an “integral part” of China during a business summit.
Foreign Minister Joseph Wu responded to Musk’s remarks by stating, “Listen up, Taiwan is not part of the PRC [People’s Republic of China] & certainly not for sale!” on Musk’s micro-blogging platform, X.
Tensions between China and Taiwan have escalated over the past year, with China conducting regular air and naval drills around the self-governing island. Taiwan has frequently reported the presence of Chinese military aircraft and ships in its waters.
This is not the first time Musk has stirred controversy with his comments on Taiwan. In October, he suggested that China could have some control over Taiwan to resolve the tensions between Beijing and Taipei, a statement that drew criticism from the Taiwanese government.
In response to Musk’s recent comments, Wu added, “Hope Elon Musk can also ask the CCP [Chinese Community Party] to open X to its people.” Musk’s micro-blogging platform X, formerly known as Twitter, is blocked in China.
Musk’s electric vehicle company Tesla has a significant manufacturing facility in Shanghai, and he visited China in May to meet with top Chinese officials. Despite the strained relations between the US and China, Tesla expressed its willingness to expand its business in the country.
Taiwan, which considers itself an independent nation, has faced increased pressure from Beijing, which claims the island as a part of its territory. The United States has remained a staunch ally of Taiwan, further complicating relations between the US and China.
