Beijing tears into US over Hong Kong tariffs: 'Let American peasants wail’

Xia claimed the true motive behind Washington’s sanctions was to undermine China’s sovereignty.

Beijing, on Tuesday, launched a scathing attack on the US over its steep tariffs on imports from Hong Kong, calling the move “arrogant” and “shameless”.

Xia Baolong, the director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, also accused the US of being a “sinister manipulator” that cannot tolerate the financial hub’s stability and prosperity.

Speaking via a pre-recorded video at the National Security Education Day event on Tuesday, Xia issued a stern warning against those who “betray national interests” and urged Hong Kong’s business community to rally behind the city and the mainland.

BREAKING: Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office Director Xia Baolong, on US tariffs:"Let those American peasants wail before the 5,000-year-old civilisation of the Chinese nation!"pic.twitter.com/PgZXvoIbGp

ADAM (@AdameMedia) April 15, 2025

“Despite Hong Kong being the largest source of the US trade surplus, the United States still imposed high tariffs on it. This is extremely arrogant and shameless,” Xia said, referring to US tariffs - now touching 145 percent - on imports from Hong Kong and mainland China.

He claimed the true motive behind Washington’s sanctions was to undermine China’s sovereignty. “The US isn’t after our tariffs, it is after our very survival.”

Xia urged citizens and entrepreneurs in Hong Kong to reject illusions of appeasement and to stand united against foreign pressure. “It is extremely naive to think that by flattering, bowing down to, or pleading with the US, we can achieve peace, respect and development,” he said.

Calling for vigilance in light of the 2019 anti-government protests, Xia emphasized that “everyone has a responsibility” to safeguard national security and warned against “external intervention” that seeks to destabilise the city.

Taking a dig at foreign critics, Xia concluded: “Let those American peasants wail before the 5,000-year-old civilisation of the Chinese nation!”

He also urged Hong Kong’s business leaders to support Beijing’s efforts, invest in the city, and remain aligned with national interests, framing them as a key force in sustaining prosperity amid foreign “oppression.”

“It is hoped that Hong Kong’s business community and entrepreneurs will continue to play a leading role in driving economic development, carry forward the fine tradition of patriotism and love for Hong Kong, correctly understand the relationship between their own enterprises and the development of both Hong Kong and the nation,” Xia said, further adding, "They should] always uphold righteousness and never forget national interests.”