Beijing labels Vance as 'ignorant' following his comment about 'Chinese peasants

Beijing Labels Vance as 'Ignorant' Due to 'Chinese Peasants' Comment Beijing has criticized U.S. Vice President JD Vance for his remark regarding "Chinese peasants," calling his comments "ignorant and impolite.

" Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian expressed disappointment on Tuesday, stating that Vance's remarks, which sparked considerable discussion on Chinese social media, were both "surprising and sad." Vance made his controversial statement during a Fox News interview on Thursday, where he defended President Donald Trump's tariffs, which are currently heightening tensions between the United States and China.

He stated, "We borrow money from Chinese peasants to buy the things those Chinese peasants manufacture." On Monday, Trump urged China—one of the largest holders of U.S. Treasury bonds—to withdraw its 34% counter-tariff by Tuesday or face an additional 50% tax on goods imported into the U.S. Should Trump follow through on his threat, U.S. companies could be burdened with a total tax rate of 104% on Chinese imports, as this would be in addition to the existing 20% tariffs established in March and the newly announced 34%. In response, China has vowed to "fight to the end," labeling Trump's actions as "bullying." Lin asserted that "China's position on its economic and trade relations with the U.S. has been made abundantly clear." Vance's remarks prompted a backlash on Chinese social media, with some users advocating for a ban on his entry to China. One Weibo user described Vance's comments as shameful for someone in his government role, while another referenced his memoir, "Hillbilly Elegy," highlighting his upbringing in rural America.

Trump and his supporters have long maintained that their tariff strategy will strengthen the U.S. economy and safeguard jobs. However, economists warn that these measures could lead to significant disruptions in international supply chains, increase consumer prices, and pose severe risks for trade overall. Following the announcement of the tariffs, financial experts have cautioned about the heightened potential for recession, both in the U.S. and globally.
BBC