Musk Ultimatum to Taiwan Imperils War-Proof Internet

The transcript discusses Taiwan's concerns about relying on SpaceX's Starlink for communication, given Elon Musk's ties to China. Taiwan faces significant communication challenges, especially after Chinese vessels severed undersea cables. As an island, Taiwan cannot easily connect to neighboring countries and is exploring satellite options like One Web and Amazon's Project Kuiper. However, these alternatives are not as immediate as Starlink, leading to tension and urgency in finding a solution.

Why are Taiwanese officials skeptical about SpaceX's intentions?

• Because SpaceX has already launched satellites over Taiwan.

• Because Elon Musk is known to have strong ties with Russia.

• Because SpaceX has not communicated with them since last year.

• Because SpaceX is planning to build a base in Taiwan.

What event highlighted Taiwan's communication vulnerabilities?

• A cyberattack on Taiwan's main internet provider.

• The severing of undersea cables by Chinese vessels.

• A natural disaster that damaged communication infrastructure.

• A government decision to cut off internet access.

Why can't Taiwan rely on land cables like Ukraine?

• Because Taiwan has no agreements with neighboring countries.

• Because Taiwan is too far from other countries.

• Because Taiwan lacks the technology.

• Because Taiwan is an island.

Which companies has Taiwan approached for satellite connectivity?

• NASA and ESA.

• Huawei and Samsung.

• SpaceX and Google.

• One Web and Amazon's Project Kuiper.

What is Taiwan's plan for its own satellite development?

• To develop a self-made low Earth orbit satellite by 2026.

• To purchase satellites from Russia.

• To collaborate with China on satellite technology.

• To launch a satellite by 2024.