As the leaders of America’s biggest banks say that they could exit China if it ever attacks Taiwan, the world’s richest man has said he believes Taiwan should become a special administrative zone of China and of course, has divided opinion on the matter.
Tesla Chief Executive Elon Musk sat down with the Financial Times where he said: “My recommendation would be to figure out a special administrative zone for Taiwan that is reasonably palatable, [and] probably won't make everyone happy.”
China sees the self-ruled island of Taiwan as part of its territory and insists it should be unified with mainland China, by force if required. Taiwan however has its own constitution, democratically elected leaders and 300,000 active troops.
While China’s ambassador to the USA praised Musk, Taiwan’s equivalent declared their freedom was ‘not for sale’ and it has ignited a debate over the role of UHNW individuals in political debates.
Musk recently drew criticism for posting a Twitter poll for his suggestions over ending the war between Russia and Ukraine with one option being Kyiv giving up territory to Moscow.
His comments on China come as Tesla hits a monthly record for sales in China and also coincides with his ongoing acquisition of Twitter, something banned across China. Musk makes headlines for a variety of reasons but his ongoing acquisition of Twitter is pushing his single Family Office Excession, further and further into the limelight. Read more about his Family Office and Managing Director here.
The mainland affairs council said Taiwan, which has the world’s leading semiconductor manufacturers, has worked with Tesla for a long time. The council told Bloomberg Musk’s proposal was “based on investment interests to turn a democratic country into a special administration.” It invited Musk to learn about how a free market can develop differently to autocratic China.
With personal interests at play, what role – if any – should UHNW individuals be allowed to play in global political debates?