China criticizes JD Vance for insulting remarks about 'Chinese peasants'

China's Foreign Ministry responded sharply to remarks made by U.S. Vice-President JD Vance during a recent Fox News interview. Vance characterized U.S. borrowing from China in terms that referenced 'Chinese peasants,' which received widespread backlash on Chinese social media platforms. His comments were made within the context of discussing President Donald Trump's tariff policies that aim to deglobalize the U.S. economy. The vice-president's statements have sparked both outrage and calls for his potential ban from entering China. The backdrop of these comments lies in an ongoing trade war between the U.S. and China, which began a few months ago following the implementation of tariffs by the Trump administration. Vance’s comments coincided with escalating tensions as Trump threatened additional tariffs against Chinese imports, raising rates on goods to as high as 104%. Trump justified these tariffs as necessary measures to counteract what he perceives as unfair trade practices by China. During the press conference, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian emphasized that Vance's comments lacked knowledge and respect. He expressed disappointment in the U.S. Vice-President’s disparaging language, which he argued was unbecoming of a senior government official. Lin stated that China had made its stance clear regarding economic relations with the U.S., and he reiterated the country’s commitment to stand up against U.S. unilateralism and protectionism. As the trade war continues to unfold, both American and Chinese economists warn of adverse effects on the global economy. Analysts have pointed out that while Trump and his allies maintain that tariffs will help the U.S. economy and create jobs, such actions threaten to disrupt international supply chains significantly and lead to inflation. The ongoing conflict over trade policies illustrates the fraught nature of U.S.-China relations, with each side poised to respond assertively to provocations from the other.