‘Ignorant and disrespectful’: China slams US Vice President JD Vance over ‘Chinese peasants’ remark | World News
Beijing has issued a sharp rebuke after United States Vice-President JD Vance’s remarks stating that America was borrowing money from “Chinese peasants” during an interview defending Donald Trump’s tariff blitz. The comments drew widespread outrage online, heightening tensions in an already bitter trade dispute between the two countries.
In an interview with Fox News, Vance criticised the global economy for undermining American industry, saying, “What has the global economy gotten the United States of America? … We borrow money from Chinese peasants to buy the things those Chinese peasants manufacture.”
He further argued that this model was unsustainable and detrimental to American jobs and prosperity.
JUST IN – VP JD VANCE ON TARIFFS: “What has the global economy gotten the USA? Incurring a huge amount of debt to buy things other countries make for us… we borrow money from Chinese peasants, to buy the things they manufacture. That is NOT a recipe for economic… pic.twitter.com/jLxYZSNJ9f
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) April 3, 2025
Chinese foreign minry spokesperson Lin Jian called the remarks “ignorant and disrespectful,” adding, “It’s both astonishing and lamentable to hear this vice-president make such remarks.” The minry also reiterated that “pressure, threats and blackmail are not the right way to deal with China.”
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The uproar comes as trade tensions continue to spiral. After Trump imposed a 34% tariff on Chinese goods last week—on top of an exing 20% levy—Beijing retaliated with its own 34% duty on US imports.
Trump doubled down on Monday, threatening an additional 50% tariff unless China rolls back its latest measure. “If China does not withdraw its 34% increase… the United States will impose additional tariffs of 50%, effective April 9th,” Trump posted on Truth Social.
Beijing has responded with defiance, vowing to “fight to the end” if Washington continues to escalate trade tensions. The standoff has rattled global markets and left investors bracing for further volatility.
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