Hong Kong action hero Jackie Chan has provoked criticism overseas after suggesting that the US is the "most corrupt" country in the world.

"When you talk about corruption, the whole world, is there corruption in the US? The most corrupt in the world!" the Rush Hour star told Phoenix TV last month.

Chan reaffirmed his view after the show's host questioned him. "Of course! Where did the great breakdown come from? The world, the United States started it," Chan said, referring to the financial crisis and gesticulating as he spoke.

His comments were rebuked Thursday by Max Fisher, a foreign affairs blogger for the Washington Post, who called them "anti-American" rhetoric that was rooted in China's insecurity.

Jackie Chan also said China is a relatively young country, where in the first half of its history it was "bullied by so many people," and that it only achieved "real success" in the past decade.

"We are improving, I can see our country is constantly improving and learning," he said, adding that everyone is making an issue out of China because it is "powerful" now.

Chan also sparked criticism in Hong Kong after he reportedly told a Chinese magazine in December that protests in the city should be restricted.

AFP