Tue Apr 15 06:12:58 UTC 2025: ## China Slams US Tariffs as “Shameless” Attempt to Destroy Hong Kong

**Hong Kong, April 15, 2025** – China’s top official overseeing Hong Kong affairs, Xia Baolong, has vehemently condemned the United States’ tariff increases on Chinese goods, calling them a “shameless” attempt to cripple Hong Kong’s economy. Speaking on Hong Kong’s National Security Education Day, Mr. Xia, director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, declared that bullying tactics would not work against China. He defiantly challenged the US, stating, “Let those peasants in the United States wail in front of the 5,000 years of Chinese civilization.”

This strongly worded rebuke follows China’s decision to raise tariffs on US imports to 125% in response to President Donald Trump’s move to increase tariffs on Chinese goods to 145%. The escalation further intensifies the ongoing trade war between the two economic superpowers.

Mr. Xia’s comments were amplified by recent remarks made by US Vice President JD Vance, who referred to China as a nation of “peasants,” a statement that sparked outrage in Beijing.

Hong Kong, now treated as part of the broader Chinese economic entity by the US, is directly impacted by these tariffs, despite its status as a separate administrative region. In contrast to mainland China’s retaliatory measures, Hong Kong leader John Lee announced last week that the territory is not planning to implement any retaliatory tariffs at this time.

Beijing has dismissed the US tariff strategy as a “joke.” The ongoing trade dispute underscores the significant geopolitical tension between the US and China.

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