Vice President JD Vance is under scrutiny following his remarks on Chinese citizens, whom he referred to as “peasants” during a Fox News broadcast last week. Observers have highlighted the irony of his comments given Vance’s own background of growing up in poverty.
During his appearance on “Fox & Friends,” Vance supported President Donald Trump’s contentious tariff policies, arguing for greater U.S. economic independence from foreign imports, particularly those from China.
“We borrow money from Chinese peasants to buy the things those Chinese peasants manufacture,” Vance stated during the segment, a remark that quickly received criticism both within the United States and abroad.
The Chinese government swiftly addressed Vance’s comments. A foreign ministry spokesperson described the Vice President’s language as “ignorant and impolite” in an official press briefing, as reported by various sources. This incident has added tension to the already strained U.S.-China relations amid ongoing trade disagreements.
Chinese state media has strongly criticized Vance’s statements, labeling American political leaders as “incompetent.”
The backlash against Vance is intensified by his personal history, which he shared in his 2016 memoir “Hillbilly Elegy.” The book documents his difficult upbringing in Middletown, Ohio, where he encountered poverty, family addiction, and economic challenges—factors that critics argue make his remarks about Chinese citizens particularly contradictory.
“He says ‘Chinese peasants’ with such venom and condescension. You would think the poverty in which he grew up would give him some empathy, but instead it did the opposite,” one social media user commented in response to the interview footage.
This controversy arises amid ongoing discussions about Vance’s authenticity and his portrayal of Appalachian culture. Although Vance is often linked with Appalachia through his memoir, some regional advocates have challenged this connection, pointing out that Middletown, Ohio, is not technically within the Appalachian region despite its proximity.
Critics have also highlighted the economic misunderstanding in Vance’s statement. China has advanced far beyond an agrarian economy, becoming the second-largest economy globally with sophisticated manufacturing, significant urban growth, and technological advancements in areas such as high-speed rail and electric vehicles.
The controversy unfolds amid the Trump administration’s renewed push for tariffs on Chinese goods. President Trump has defended these policies as essential for safeguarding American manufacturing, while critics warn they may increase prices for American consumers and provoke retaliatory measures from China.
China has pledged to “fight to the end” against any additional tariffs, characterizing U.S. trade policies as “bullying.” Analysts suggest that Chinese leaders are preparing their population for potential economic repercussions while maintaining resistance to what they perceive as American pressure tactics.
This incident is the latest in a series of controversial statements from Vance, whose political views have shifted considerably since the publication of his memoir. Before joining the Trump administration, Vance was known for his criticism of Trump and worked in the technology sector with venture capitalist Peter Thiel, leading some to question his current populist stance.
Vance’s remarks have also sparked controversy on Chinese social media, with some users calling for him to be barred from entering China.
“It is disgraceful for someone in such an important position within the US government to make statements like this,” one Weibo user commented.
