China is pushing back after Vice President JD Vance said the U.S. borrows "money from Chinese peasants to buy the things those Chinese peasants manufacture."

China on Tuesday slammed US Vice President JD Vance for his comments about “Chinese peasants” in an interview that has drawn widespread ire and ridicule on China’s internet – and comparisons with Vance’s own self-proclaimed “hillbilly” background.

China has called US Vice-President JD Vance "ignorant and impolite" after he said America had been borrowing money from "Chinese peasants". Foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian told reporters on Tuesday that Vance's comments - which had already caused a stir on Chinese social media - were "surprising and sad".