Never said you could not. The difference is that React is way more powerful and easier when building complex applications with JSX.
With Vue. I have a functional component that renders out JSX templates 6 levels deep and other DOM elements on-demand. All from a single multi-dimensional array.
In terms of the code count and simplicity. You couldn't achieve the same result with Single File Components so JSX to the rescue. But I'm sure someone could with SFC, but it would be such an over-engineered mess, it would be counter intuitive.
It was seriously difficult compared to what React offers because the functionality for Vue just isn't there. But I am sure in time, the functionality will be there. Starting with Vue 2.6/2.6-next.
It's also slightly more powerful.
- It has more functionality when it comes to JSX.
- It handles reactivity better.
However, judging the comments by Evan in Mays webcast. He mentions these two will be resolved by 2.6, 2.6-next.
I think the gap will be closed somewhat.