Tesla CEO Elon Musk attends the Tesla Shanghai Gigafactory groundbreaking ceremony in Shanghai, China January 7, 2019, holding a microphone in front of a large red banner.
Elon Musk at the Tesla Shanghai Gigafactory groundbreaking ceremony in 2019.
  • Elon Musk compared Taiwan to Hawaii, suggesting it was "an integral part of China."
  • Taiwan's minister of foreign affairs hit back, saying the island is "certainly not for sale!"
  • The Tesla CEO met with China's foreign minister during a trip to the country in May.

Elon Musk provoked a heated response from the Taiwanese government on Wednesday, after he appeared to defend China's claim over the disputed island.

During a virtual appearance at the All-In Summit while onboard his private jet, Musk explained how Beijing's "policy has been to reunite Taiwan with China."