Elon Musk, the world’s richest man, has declared in a Financial Times interview that China and Taiwan should reach a “palatable” agreement. Both ambassadors spoke differently about the situation. The Chinese Ambassador to the U.S, Qin Gang, praised Musk whilst the Taiwanese ambassador, Hsiao Bi-Khim, responded with, “The freedom of the people of Taiwan is not for sale,”. Last week, Musk also drew criticism for posting a Twitter poll with his suggestions for ending the war between Russia and Ukraine, including Kyiv giving up territory to Moscow. 

Musk’s comments come as the electric car maker hit a monthly record for sales in China. “My recommendation… would be to figure out a special administrative zone for Taiwan that is reasonably palatable, probably won’t make everyone happy and it’s possible, and I think probably, in fact, that they could have an arrangement that’s more lenient than Hong Kong.” Musk said. In response, Hsiao replied on Twitter: “Taiwan sells many products, but our freedom and democracy are not for sale. Any lasting proposal for our future must be determined peacefully, free from coercion, and respectful of the democratic wishes of the people of Taiwan,” As of Oct. 10, nothing more has been stated.