Elon Musk says US and China tensions over Taiwan should 'concern everyone'
Billionaire Elon Musk has warned of the catastrophic impact a Chinese invasion of Taiwan would have on the global economy.
Speaking after the Tesla annual shareholder meeting, Musk said people should be worried about the state of US and China tensions.
The comments come after China's military issued a bold and chilling warning to the US saying it is prepared to "resolutely smash any form of Taiwan independence."
Musk's comments came during a sprawling interview with CNBC anchor David Faber on Tuesday in Austin, Texas.
When asked if he was concerned about China and the US's relationship, Musk said: "I think that should be a concern for everyone.
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Soldiers of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, the largest standing army in the world, stage military exercises (Xinhua/REX/Shutterstock)"The official policy of China is that Taiwan should be integrated,” Musk told CNBC.
“One does not need to read between the lines.”
China has been unwavering in its commitment to reclaim the island of Taiwan, which it sees as a breakaway province.
It claims the island of 23 million people as its own territory, to be brought under its control by force if necessary.
The People's Liberation Army has held numerous military drills simulating the invasion of Taiwan (Xinhua/REX/Shutterstock)Musk's company Tesla depends on the company Taiwan Semiconductor to manufacture processors, as does tech giant Apple.
"The Chinese economy and the rest of the global economy are like conjoined twins," Musk said.
"It would be like trying to separate conjoined twins.
"That’s the severity of the situation. And it’s actually worse for a lot of other companies than it is for Tesla.
"I mean, I’m not sure where you’re going to get an iPhone, for example.”
Musk has said tensions over Taiwan control should be 'concern for everyone' (cnbc.com)The US is believed to be preparing to accelerate the sale of weapons and other military assistance to the self-governing island democracy that neighbours China.
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Increased cooperation between the US and Taiwanese militaries is an "extremely wrong and dangerous move," Chinese Defence Ministry spokesperson Colonel Tan Kefei said in a bullish statement and video posted online.
Tan said China's People's Liberation Army "continues to strengthen military training and preparations and will resolutely smash any form of Taiwanese independence secession along with attempts at outside interference, and will resolutely defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity."
Chinese President Xi Jinping has been unwavering in his policy towards Taiwan (Xinhua/REX/Shutterstock)Along with daily air and sea incursions around Taiwan, Beijing has held military exercises in and around the Taiwan Strait dividing the sides, seen in part as a rehearsal for a blockade or invasion that would have massive consequences for security and economies worldwide.
Such actions seek to harass Taiwan's military and intimidate politicians and voters who will choose a new president and legislature next year.
The moves appear to have had limited effect, with most Taiwanese firmly in favour of maintaining their de facto independent status.
Politicians and other public figures from Europe and the US have also been making frequent trips to Taipei to show their support, despite their countries' lack of formal diplomatic ties in deference to Beijing.
Tan's comments were prompted by questions about reports that US President Joe Biden is preparing to approve the sale of $500 million in arms to Taiwan, as well as sending more than 100 military personnel to evaluate training methods and offer suggestions for improving the island's defences.
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