By Yasin Gungor
ISTANBUL (AA) - Washington is “prepared” for war with China, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Wednesday, responding to Beijing’s threats following President Donald Trump’s imposition of new tariffs.
“We’re prepared,” Hegseth said on Fox News, emphasizing the need for military strength to deter conflict.
“Those who long for peace must prepare for war,” he noted, highlighting the US military’s ongoing modernization efforts.
“We live in a dangerous world with powerful, ascendant countries with very different ideologies. They’re rapidly increasing their defense spending and modern technology, aiming to supplant the United States,” he added.
Hegseth’s remarks came after Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian warned that China is “ready to fight till the end” in response to US actions, whether in a trade war or military conflict.
“If we want to deter war with the Chinese or others, we have to be strong,” Hegseth said stressing that strength is essential to deterring war.