Vice President J.D. Vance has come under fire after referring to Chinese workers as “peasants” in a public interview, a remark that has sparked a wave of backlash from Beijing and further strained already tense U.S.-China trade relations.
In his statement, Vance criticized the current global trade structure, highlighting how the U.S. continues to rely on goods produced abroad while borrowing from the very nations it imports from. His use of the term “peasants” to describe Chinese laborers triggered an immediate and sharp response from Chinese officials, who called the comment both disrespectful and rooted in arrogance.
Beijing responded not only with condemnation but also with actions that signal a possible shift in economic strategy. Reports suggest China has ordered domestic airlines to halt further purchases of Boeing aircraft, a move interpreted by analysts as a deliberate effort to distance itself from American suppliers.
The exchange comes amid an escalating trade standoff, with new tariffs being imposed by both sides. Despite the diplomatic friction, financial markets remain relatively stable, with key indexes rebounding slightly after initial drops.
As both nations dig in, the fallout from Vance’s remarks adds fuel to a growing geopolitical and economic fire—one that could redefine trade policy for years to come.