China Targets VP Candidate Bance: "Don't Make an Issue of China"

Vance Says "China Is the Biggest Threat to the US"
Chinese Foreign Ministry Criticizes "US Election Targeting China"

Senator J.D. Vance, who was nominated as former President Donald Trump's running mate, identified China as "the greatest threat to the United States," prompting a backlash from the Chinese government.

On the 16th (local time), according to Bloomberg News, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Zhen stated at a regular briefing, "We oppose the U.S. election making China an issue." This was a direct response to Senator Vance's remarks labeling China as the greatest threat to the U.S.

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

Earlier, in an interview with Fox News the previous day, Senator Vance said, "If Trump had been president, Russia would not have invaded Ukraine," adding, "We will quickly resolve this issue so that the U.S. can focus on the real problem, China." He also pointed out, "China is the biggest threat to the U.S., yet this country shows little interest."

Senator Vance, who was selected as the vice-presidential candidate through the Republican National Convention on the 15th, is one of the hardline conservatives who share similar views with former President Trump on various issues such as abortion, immigration, and Middle East affairs. In particular, just as former President Trump threatened to impose a blanket 60% tariff on Chinese products, Senator Vance has also advocated for broad tariffs on Chinese imports in the past, emphasizing the need to reduce trade dependence on China. In response to concerns that Trump's bombshell tariffs could reignite inflation in the U.S., he argued that there would be increased manufacturing and supply of American-made goods.

Meanwhile, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris reportedly sent congratulations to Senator Vance along with a message expressing hope that he would participate in the vice-presidential debate. Earlier, CBS News proposed a debate between vice-presidential candidates to be held on the 23rd of this month or the 13th of next month at a Washington D.C. studio. Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren evaluated, "Vice President Harris is strong and well understands what she says," adding, "She will not concede an inch to (Senator Vance)."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.