Chinese official: 'Let American farmers mourn 5,000 years of civilization'

Xia Baolong, director of China's Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, speaks via video at the opening ceremony of National Security Education Day on April 15 in Hong Kong - Photo: VCG

According to the South China Morning Post , Mr. Xia Baolong this week criticized the tariffs imposed by the Trump administration on the Hong Kong special administrative region and mainland China, calling it "arrogant and shameless".

Mr. Ha's comments are the latest development in the war of words between the US and China, following recent comments by US Vice President JD Vance. Mr. Vance used the word "peasant" ("farmer", also meaning "country person") to refer to China.

“To be clear, we’re borrowing money from Chinese farmers to buy the same things that Chinese farmers produce. That’s not a formula for economic prosperity. That’s not a formula for low prices, and it’s not a formula for creating good jobs in America,” Vance said in an interview.

In a speech on April 15, Mr. Ha Bao Long condemned Mr. Trump's decision to impose high tariffs on Hong Kong, even though this special administrative region is "the source of America's largest trade surplus."

"What the US is aiming at is not tariffs, but our survival. The US has repeatedly restrained and suppressed Hong Kong, which will eventually backfire," he said.

The official said bullying tactics have never worked against Chinese people, including those in Hong Kong.

"Pressure, threats and blackmail are not the right way to deal with China. Let the farmers in the US mourn over China's 5,000-year civilization," Mr. Ha said.

The official used the Chinese term "xiang ba lao" (country bumpkin) to refer to the US, following Mr Vance's comments.

On April 16, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian also commented similarly: "If the US truly wants to resolve the issue through dialogue and negotiation, it should give up extreme pressure, stop threats and blackmail."

Trade war hurts American farmers

On April 9, President Trump announced a 90-day suspension of reciprocal tariffs on more than 75 countries/territories that have not retaliated against the US, except for China. During the 90-day period, these countries will simultaneously be subject to a 10% tariff while the Trump administration negotiates with them.

China is still subject to tariffs of up to 145% (some items are subject to tariffs of up to 245%). In response, Beijing has imposed tariffs of 125% on US imports and restricted exports of minerals essential for high-tech manufacturing.

US media pointed out that Mr. Trump's trade war with China will hurt American farmers. China mainly buys agricultural products from the US, including soybeans and grains. China is the third largest export market for US agricultural products, worth $24.7 billion in 2024.

Read more Back to Topics

Back to topic

PEACEFUL

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/quan-chuc-trung-quoc-hay-de-nong-dan-my-than-khoc-truoc-nen-van-minh-5-000-nam-20250417112701822.htm