China lauds Elon Musk’s suggestion that Taiwan become a ‘special administrative zone’

Elon Musk drew praise from Chinese government officials – and infuriated self-ruled Taiwan – this weekend after suggesting the democratically governed island should become a “special administrative zone” under China’s control.

Musk, whose geopolitical musings have drawn widespread criticism in recent days, argued that Taiwan should cede control to the Chinese Communist Party in Beijing to avoid a broader conflict that would upend the global economy.

“My recommendation…would be to figure out a special administrative zone for Taiwan that is reasonably palatable, probably won’t make everyone happy,” Musk said in an interview with Financial Times published Friday.

“And it’s possible, and I think probably, in fact, that they could have an arrangement that’s more lenient than Hong Kong,” Musk added.

Musk predicted that a military conflict between China and Taiwan would likely slash the global economy by 30%. He noted that Tesla and other major companies with supply chains running through the region would be severely impacted and declared that “Apple would be in very deep trouble.”

Musk’s comments drew intense scrutiny during a period of unprecedented heightened tensions between China and Taiwan. China views the island as part of its territory and has aimed to take control of the democratically governed nation.

Qin Gang, China’s US ambassador, praised Musk for his suggestion.

“I would like to thank @elonmusk for his call for peace across the Taiwan Strait and his idea about establishing a special administrative zone for Taiwan,” the ambassador said. “Actually, Peaceful reunification and One Country, Two Systems are our basic principles for resolving the Taiwan question and the best approach to realizing national reunification.”

But Musk’s proposal drew a sharp condemnation from Bi-khim Hsiao, Taiwan’s representative to the US.

“Taiwan sells many products, but our freedom and democracy are not for sale,” the representative said. “Any lasting proposal for our future must be determined peacefully, free from coercion, and respectful of the democratic wishes of the people of Taiwan.”

Wang Ting-yu, a top representative for Taiwan’s Democratic Progressive Party, said “Musk’s solution is all about victim concessions,” according to CNN.

Musk’s cozy relationship with the Chinese government has long sparked concerns on Capitol Hill, with some lawmakers questioning whether the billionaire’s dealing are a potential security risk given his firm SpaceX’s role as a federal government contractor.

Musk told FT that China voiced its disapproval over his decision to provide Starlink satellite internet access to Ukraine in the wake of Russia’s invasion. Beijing purportedly asked Musk to provide assurances that he would not sell the service in China.

In June, a Chinese military analyst argued that Beijing should develop methods of hacking or even destroying Starlink satellites in the event of a military conflict.

The US government has long followed a policy of ​”​strategic ambiguity​”​ toward Taiwan by recognizing China’s claims to the island while retaining informal diplomatic ties with its government.

US officials are adamant that China would face consequences if it attempts to take control of Taiwan through military force. Congress has approved shipments of defensive weaponry to Taiwan.

Earlier this month, Musk stoked outrage after suggesting that Ukraine should cede territory to Russia in order to end the war between the two nations.

“F— off is my very diplomatic reply,” tweeted Ukrainian diplomat Andrij Melnyk in response to Musk’s proposal.

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky responded by sharing a poll with his followers which asked, “Which @elonmusk do you like more?” – with “One who supports Ukraine” and “One who supports Russia” as the two possible responses.