China makes it personal after JD Vance’s 'peasant' slur; here’s how they’re getting back at the U.S. VP

The global trade war between the U.S. and China just took an unexpected turn. Vice President JD Vance’s comments about “Chinese peasants” have come back to bite him, and in spectacular fashion. In a speech that’s turning heads, Xia Baolong, a senior Chinese official, twisted Vance’s words against him, calling out the U.S. in ways that are both pointed and poetic.

What did JD Vance actually say?

Vance, appearing on Fox News just weeks ago, had a lot to say about the effects of globalization. But it was one phrase that drew the most attention:

“We borrow money from Chinese peasants to buy the things that Chinese peasants manufacture.”

A controversial choice of words, to say the least. His attempt to defend Trump’s trade policies by highlighting the U.S. debt to China quickly sparked outrage. The insult didn’t sit well, and many saw it as dismissive of the Chinese people, reducing them to a simple stereotype.

How did China respond?

China’s response didn’t take long to come, and it wasn’t subtle. Xia Baolong, the Director of China’s Hong Kong and Macao Work Office, didn’t mince words. In a fiery speech, he decided to hit back hard, turning Vance’s own words against him. Xia said:

“Let those peasants in the U.S. wail before the 5,000 years of Chinese civilization.”

It was more than just a political jab; it was a statement dripping with national pride and historical pride. It wasn’t just a retaliation—it was a message. The phrase “peasants” had been used by Vance to criticize China, but now, it had become a weapon aimed squarely at the U.S.

What did China announce in response?

Along with the verbal smackdown, China doubled down with action. 125% tariffs were slapped on U.S. imports, a clear warning shot to Washington. This follows Trump’s 145% tariffs on Chinese goods, which, according to Xia, China sees as part of a broader strategy to undermine Hong Kong’s autonomy. The timing of the tariffs—coinciding with the Hong Kong National Security Education Day—only added fuel to the fire.

Xia referred to the U.S. trade war as “extremely shameless”, accusing the U.S. of trying to destabilize both China and Hong Kong for political leverage.

Is Beijing alone in its criticism?

Not quite. Lin Jian, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, also stepped in, making it clear that the country won’t tolerate such disrespect. Lin expressed how Vance’s comments “lack knowledge and respect,” adding that they were “surprising and kind of lamentable.”

This isn’t just about tariffs anymore. It’s personal. The Chinese government has made it clear that it won’t stand for insults, and now it seems like they’re ready to escalate further if necessary.

What’s at stake in the bigger picture?

This exchange between Vance and China isn’t just a war of words. It’s part of a much larger geopolitical battle. The U.S.-China trade war in 2025 is a reflection of deepening divides between the two superpowers, each seeing the other as an economic and political adversary. With every new tariff, every insult, the stakes grow higher. China has shown it will respond sharply when its pride is attacked, and the U.S. is standing firm, believing in its trade policies.

FAQs

What did JD Vance say about Chinese peasants?
JD Vance called Chinese workers "peasants" during a Fox News interview, sparking backlash.

How did China respond to JD Vance’s comments?
China responded by mocking Vance’s words and imposing a 125% tariff on U.S. goods.