The US-China tariff war just got a hard diplomatic turn. While President Donald Trump’s blanket new tariffs throw global markets into chaos, a new controversy has erupted. US Vice President JD Vance called Chinese citizens “peasants” in a Fox News interview, prompting a vitriolic response from Beijing. China branded the comments as “ignorant and impolite” and condemned the 50% tariffs as “blackmail.” Today, with both countries trading insults and tariffs, the tenuous relationship between the world’s biggest economies teeters on the brink. The repercussions might reshape global trade, foreign affairs, and the US presidential election of 2028.
JD Vance’s Remarks Set Diplomatic Blaze with China
The tension started not only with tariffs, but with words. Last week, JD Vance justified the administration’s tariff increase by stating, “We borrow money from Chinese peasants to buy the things those Chinese peasants make.” That statement did not pass without notice.
On Tuesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian retaliated. “It is surprising and sad to hear such ignorant and impolite words from this vice president,” he said during a press briefing. His tone meant more than annoyance—it was a threat wrapped in diplomacy.
“We borrow money from Chinese peasants to buy the things those Chinese peasants manufacture” pic.twitter.com/OG3sj5m0CE
— Chay Bowes (@BowesChay) April 3, 2025
For China, this was no longer just about economics. It was about personal. The rhetoric stirred nationalist emotions domestically and provided an opportunity for Beijing to strike back more forcefully—not merely with tariffs, but with the narrative. Chinese media already depicts the US as arrogant and condescending, a tone that can harm Washington’s international reputation.
Tariff Retaliation Escalates as Beijing Strikes Back
As words flew, policy rushed along. China struck back at Trump’s new 50% tariff on Chinese imports with a 34% retaliatory tariff on US goods, to be effective Thursday. Lin Jian denounced the US for “pressure, threats and blackmail,” saying that “tariff wars have no winners, and protectionism has no way out.
Trump doubled down, signaling additional tariffs that would increase overall Chinese tariffs to 104%. With both digging in, economic stakes are growing. Global markets are already unstable, and businesses are warning of higher prices and disrupted supply chains.
