Amid the ongoing trade, economic, and tariff disputes between the United States and China, a Chinese diplomat took to social media to mock Karoline Leavitt, the White House Press Secretary. This came after she was seen wearing a dress reportedly "made in China," while her boss, President Donald Trump, continues to intensify his rhetoric against the Asian nation.
Zhang Zhisheng, the Consul General of the People's Republic of China in Denpasar, Indonesia, posted on social media platform X: "Blaming China is a business. Buying from China is a way of life." He further commented, "The beautiful lace on the dress was recognized by a worker from a Chinese company as their product."
The diplomat's sarcastic remarks were a response to several American users who defended the press secretary. To one user who optimistically claimed that "soon everything will be made in the USA," Zhang replied with a meme depicting an overweight American factory worker. When another user mentioned China's reliance on U.S. investments, he retorted, "Read some economic statistics about China before commenting."
The post quickly went viral, catching the attention of various media outlets. The British publication Daily Mail highlighted that Leavitt wore the red dress with black trimmings, which became a symbol of the controversy, and was manufactured in Mabu, China. The dress reportedly costs around $750.
The trade war between the United States and China escalated further last Friday when Washington increased tariffs on Chinese goods by up to 145%, marking one of the highest rates since the conflict began. Despite international criticism and fears of an economic slowdown, President Donald Trump stated that this move "will protect American jobs" and asserted that China "will eventually yield to the pressure."
In retaliation, the Chinese government raised its own tariffs on American products to as much as 125%, delivering a stern message to Trump: "The time of submission has ended." This official statement, broadcasted by Chinese state media, reinforced the defiant tone that has characterized China's stance against the White House's decisions.
The escalating tariff tensions between China and the United States have now reached the aviation industry. On Tuesday, it was reported that China ordered its airlines to stop accepting deliveries of Boeing aircraft. On April 14, sources close to the U.S. Department of Commerce revealed that Washington was considering rescinding tariff exemptions granted to certain Chinese imports. This strategy aims to restrict Chinese companies' access to critical technologies while boosting domestic production incentives.
In this atmosphere of bilateral hostility, numerous Chinese officials have taken advantage of social media to troll Donald Trump with memes and sarcastic messages. These viral posts highlighted the contradictions of the president, pointing out his nationalist rhetoric while continuing to rely on goods manufactured in China. One of the most popular messages compared Trump's speeches to a "media show without substance."
Understanding the U.S.-China Trade Dispute
What prompted the Chinese diplomat's remarks about Karoline Leavitt's dress?
The remarks were prompted by her wearing a dress reportedly made in China, while President Trump was intensifying his trade rhetoric against China.
How did China respond to the U.S. increasing tariffs on Chinese goods?
China responded by raising its own tariffs on American products to as much as 125%, sending a strong message of defiance to the United States.
What impact has the trade war had on the aviation industry?
The trade war has impacted the aviation industry, with China ordering its airlines to stop accepting deliveries of Boeing aircraft.