As President Donald Trump’s tariff offensives continue to shake the global economy, U.S. Vice President JD Vance has fueled the fire in the already tense U.S.-China relationship.
On Tuesday, the Chinese state-run English-language newspaper Global Times published an article titled “US officials’ China-related remarks amid market turmoil appall American netizens,” highlighting Vance’s controversial remarks during an April 3 interview with Fox News.
In the interview, Vance drew criticism for stating, “To make it a little more crystal clear, we borrow money from Chinese peasants to buy the things those Chinese peasants manufacture.” His repeated use of the term “peasants” to describe Chinese individuals or workers was particularly inflammatory, as the word carries derogatory connotations rooted in its historical use to belittle rural farmers and laborers.
Vance made the remarks while questioning the benefits of economic globalization for the United States. He argued that it essentially hinges on accumulating large debt and relying on foreign-made goods.
The Global Times underscored that even American media outlets and netizens were taken aback by what it described as shocking statements from a senior White House official.
The article referenced a BuzzFeed report that criticized Vance, stating that the only thing Vice President Vance seems capable of is embarrassing Americans on a global scale.
In response, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said during a press briefing, “ITo hear words that lack knowledge and respect like those uttered by this Vice President is both surprising and kind of lamentable.”
