Musk Turns His Diplomatic Gaze to China-Taiwan From Ukraine

Musk sees himself as a man who is trying to do the right thing.

The risks of public diplomacy by a billionaire with complex business interests around the globe have been demonstrated by his recent comments about Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Musk proposed his own solution for the tensions between China and Taiwan in a Financial Times profile. China considers Taiwan to be part of it's territory. He said Beijing wants assurances that he won't offer Starlink in China.

Musk told the newspaper that he would recommend a special administrative zone for Taiwan. It is possible that they could have an arrangement that is less strict than Hong Kong.

The comments are important because of the fact that the auto plant is in China. Starlink, a satellite-based internet service that has proved to be a military asset in the fight against Russia, is being developed by the same company.

President Joe Biden has said the US would defend Taiwan in the event of a Chinese attack. The president said that the US stands by its "One China" policy in which it has avoided formal recognition of the government in Taiwan.

Requests for comment from Taiwanese government representatives in San Francisco and Washington were not responded to.

Musk angered the president of Ukranian by suggesting that the country seek a negotiated settlement with Russia that would include ceding the peninsula to the Russians. Zelenskiy replied to his followers on the social networking site.

Ukrainian troops have failed at times on the frontlines due to Starlink.

Jenny Leonard helped with the project.