Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has responded decisively to China’s recent declaration of preparedness for “any type of war” with the United States, following President Donald Trump’s implementation of additional tariffs on Chinese imports.
In a recent interview, Hegseth emphasized the importance of military readiness, stating, “Those who long for peace must prepare for war. That’s why we’re rebuilding our military. That’s why we’re re-establishing deterrence in the warrior ethos. We live in a dangerous world with powerful, ascendant countries with very different ideology.”
On Tuesday, President Trump announced a 25% tariff on imports from Mexico and Canada, alongside an additional 10% tariff on Chinese goods, aiming to pressure these nations to curb the flow of fentanyl into the United States. In retaliation, China imposed a 15% tariff on American agricultural products.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian addressed the escalating tensions during a news conference, asserting that if the United States seeks conflict—be it a tariff war, trade war, or any other form—China is prepared to “fight till the end.”
He commented, saying: “We urge the U.S. to stop being domineering and return to the right track of dialogue and cooperation at an early date,” he said, adding that “the fentanyl issue is a flimsy excuse to raise U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports” and that “if the U.S. truly wants to solve the fentanyl issue, then the right thing to do is to consult with China on the basis of equality, mutual respect and mutual benefit to address each other’s concerns.”
Hegseth highlighted China’s rapid advancements in technology and defense spending, noting that China plans to increase its defense budget by 7.2% this year, reaching approximately $245 billion. In contrast, the U.S. defense budget for the current fiscal year stands at around $850 billion. However, Pentagon assessments suggest China’s actual defense expenditures may be significantly higher due to allocations in other budgetary categories.
Emphasizing the administration’s commitment to maintaining global stability through strength, Hegseth remarked that President Trump “understands that peace comes through strength.” He reiterated his responsibility to ensure the U.S. military’s preparedness, advocating for necessary defense spending, advanced capabilities, and strategic positioning in the Indo-Pacific region to effectively deter potential adversaries.
