‘Ignorant and disrespectful’: China slams US Vice President JD Vance over ‘Chinese peasants’ remark

Chinese spokesperson Lin Jian described the remarks as “ignorant and disrespectful,” adding, “It’s both astonishing and lamentable to hear this vice-president make such remarks.”

By: Express Web Desk

Updated: April 8, 2025 10:39 PM IST

2 min read

US Vice-President JD Vance argued this model was unsustainable and detrimental to American jobs and prosperity. (File Photo)

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 globalist 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.

Chinese foreign ministry 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 ministry also reiterated that “pressure, threats and blackmail are not the right way to deal with China.”

The uproar comes as trade tensions continue to spiral. After Trump imposed a 34% tariff on Chinese goods last week—on top of an existing 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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