The recent meeting between U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and a group of Chinese female economists and entrepreneurs has sparked a wave of online criticism, with some accusing the women of betraying their country.

The backlash was primarily directed towards Liu Qian, the Economist Group's managing director for Greater China, and author Hao Jingfang, both of whom shared their experiences on social media, Bloomberg reports.

Online Backlash

"There's no such thing as a free meal," wrote Shen Yi, a professor in international politics at Fudan University, implying that women would have to give something to the U.S. government.

Several users accused Hao of being an "American spy," while others criticized the elite status of the women selected, saying "they have not worked in factories."

Yellen’s Stance on Female Representation

Yellen's interaction with the women highlighted her emphasis on female representation in decision-making. "I see it all the time when I'm almost the only woman in the room," Yellen told the women. "I'm sure many of you have that same experience at decision-making tables."

See Also: Yellen Concludes China Visit, Calls Talks With Beijing ‘Direct, Substantive And Productive’: CNBC

China’s Gender Gap

President Xi Jinping excluded women from China's top leadership at last year's congress for the first time in 25 years. As China struggles with a record-low birth rate, women are being encouraged to take on more traditional caregiving roles. The backlash against the women echoes attacks waged by online nationalists against foreign female journalists of ethnic Chinese origin working for Western news organizations.

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