China has condemned US Vice-President JD Vance's "ignorant" remarks regarding "Chinese peasants," escalating tensions amid ongoing trade disputes exacerbated by President Trump's tariff policies.
Beijing Slams US Vice-President Vance Over Controversial Remarks
Beijing Slams US Vice-President Vance Over Controversial Remarks
Diplomatic tensions rise as Vance's comments about Chinese peasants spark backlash from China.
Beijing has sharply rebuked US Vice-President JD Vance, labeling him "ignorant and impolite" following his controversial statement regarding America's financial dealings with "Chinese peasants." This criticism comes amidst ongoing trade tensions rooted in President Donald Trump's aggressive tariff strategies affecting the world's two largest economies.
During a Fox News interview, Vance defended current tariffs imposed on Chinese goods, stating, "We borrow money from Chinese peasants to buy the things those Chinese peasants manufacture." This comment elicited a strong response from China's foreign ministry, with spokesperson Lin Jian expressing disappointment in Vance's remarks during a press briefing on Tuesday.
The situation escalated further with Trump directing China to withdraw its 34% countertariff on US imports by Tuesday or face escalated duties of up to 50%. Should Trump follow through on his threats, US companies could find themselves subjected to a staggering total tariff rate of 104% accumulating from previous tariffs imposed earlier this year.
In reaction to the escalating situation, Chinese officials announced their unwavering intention to "fight to the end," condemning Trump's approach as "bullying." Lin reiterated China's longstanding position on economic relations with the US.
Vance’s remarks did not sit well with users on Chinese social media platforms, where many expressed outrage at the implications of his statement, with some calling for him to be banned from the country. Critiques included references to Vance's memoir "Hillbilly Elegy," highlighting perceived contradictions between his comments and his own background.
Trump and his supporters maintain that the tariff strategy will protect American jobs and invigorate the US economy. However, many economists caution that such measures could lead to significant disruptions in international supply chains and jeopardize the global economy, with warnings of possible recession risks for both the US and worldwide markets.
In the aftermath of Trump's tariff announcement, Asian stock markets have plunged to some of their lowest levels in decades, indicative of the deepening crisis within US-China trade relations, as both nations refuse to relent in their stances.
