Beijing Slams US VP Vance for "Chinese Peasants" Comment Amid Growing Trade Tensions

In response to Vice-President JD Vance's controversial comments regarding "Chinese peasants," Beijing has rebuked him for what it describes as ignorance and incivility. The remarks coincide with intensified trade friction sparked by US tariffs, escalating concerns over economic repercussions.

Beijing has harshly criticized US Vice-President JD Vance for labeling American borrowing from "Chinese peasants," calling his statement both "ignorant and impolite." This strong reaction arises amid ongoing trade tensions exacerbated by US tariffs initiated under President Donald Trump's administration.

In a recent Fox News interview, Vance defended these tariffs, declaring, "We borrow money from Chinese peasants to buy the things those Chinese peasants manufacture." This assertion has prompted backlash given that China ranks among the foremost holders of US Treasury bonds, making the comment politically sensitive.

Reacting to Vance's remarks, China's foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian expressed disappointment during a Tuesday press briefing, stating, "It is surprising and sad to hear such ignorant and impolite words from this vice president." The severity of the trade conflict is heightened by Trump's ultimatum to China, demanding the removal of a 34% countertariff by an imposed deadline, threatening an additional 50% tax on Chinese goods should they fail to comply.

Should Trump proceed with his threats, American businesses could suffer a staggering 104% tax burden on imports from China, compounding previous tariffs of 20% and the newly announced 34%. China has pledged to "fight to the end," characterizing Trump’s tariff strategies as "bullying."

Lin reiterated China's firm stance on US-China economic and trade relations, as Vance's comments incited significant outrage among Chinese social media users, with calls for him to be barred from entering China. "As a key figure in the US government, it is really shameful for Vance to say such things," lamented a Weibo user, while another made a pointed reference to Vance's memoir, "Hillbilly Elegy."

Economists caution that Trump's tariff actions could disrupt international supply chains, inflate consumer prices, and potentially lead to a recession both domestically and globally. The financial landscape is under strain, evidenced by a substantial drop in Asian stocks, marking one of the largest declines in decades as the trade rift between the US and China deepens, with neither side showing signs of yielding.