Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Joseph Wu clarifies that Taiwan is “not for sale” – responding to Elon Musk’s recent comments describing Taiwan as an integral part of China. That reports “The Guardian”.

Musk, the billionaire owner of companies such as

Wu attacks Musk on X

In a message on Wu also criticized Musk’s decision not to activate the Starlink satellite network in the Ukrainian port city of Sevastopol to aid an attack on the Russian fleet, calling it an example of Musk’s double standards on freedom of speech.

“Listen, Taiwan is not part of the PRC and is certainly not for sale!” Wu added, using the acronym for the People’s Republic of China.

Tesla produces in Shanghai

According to the report, this is not the first time that Musk, who owns a large Tesla factory in Shanghai, has angered Taiwan. He had already suggested last October that some controls over Taiwan could be ceded to Beijing, which drew a strong rebuke from Taiwan at the time.

Tensions in the region are currently rising as dozens of Chinese warships and aircraft have been detected near Taiwan for suspected military exercises. Taiwan’s democratically elected government, the main opposition parties and a majority of the population reject Chinese rule.

Nevertheless, Beijing has increased pressure on Taiwan through the use of economic, diplomatic and military means. This week marked China’s largest military activity near Taiwan since the main exercises in April.