Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth Claims the U.S. Is Prepared for War with China Amid Escalating Trade Tensions in Washington D.C.

As the trade war between the U.S. and China intensifies, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth made bold remarks about the country’s readiness for a potential conflict.

Speaking on Fox & Friends Wednesday morning, Hegseth responded strongly to the escalating rhetoric between the two nations, asserting that the U.S. is “prepared” for any confrontation with China.

A Retort to China’s Threats

Hegseth’s comments came in response to a post by the Chinese Embassy in the U.S. on the social media platform X. The embassy had stated late Tuesday that China is “ready to fight till the end” if the U.S. wants to engage in a trade war, tariff war, or any other type of conflict.

In his appearance the next day, Hegseth fired back, saying, “Well, we’re prepared.

Those who long for peace must prepare for war.” He emphasized that the U.S. is strengthening its military, stating, “That’s why we’re rebuilding our military.”

Strengthening Military and Ensuring Peace Through Strength

Hegseth went on to explain the importance of military strength in deterring conflict. He stated, “If we want to deter war with the Chinese or others, we have to be strong, and that president understands peace comes through strength.” His remarks reflect the ongoing U.S. efforts to enhance its military capabilities, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region, which he noted is a primary area of focus for the Defense Department.

Cooperation and Continued Tensions with China

Despite the increasingly hostile trade tensions, Hegseth pointed out that President Trump has maintained a “great relationship” with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

While acknowledging the ongoing disputes, Hegseth stressed that where there is an opportunity for cooperation, the two nations will pursue it.

However, he made it clear that his role as Secretary of Defense is to ensure the U.S. is prepared for any possible scenario.

He highlighted the need for robust defense spending and military readiness in the face of mounting global challenges.

China Expands Military Budget Amid Geopolitical Tensions

In response to rising international tensions, China announced this week that it would increase its defense budget by 7.2 percent to further modernize its military forces.

As the second-largest military spender behind the U.S., China continues to exert its influence on the global stage.

With the world’s largest navy, China is positioning itself as a dominant military power, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.

Trade War Escalates with Higher Tariffs

Alongside military spending increases, the trade war between the U.S. and China has dramatically escalated.

This week, President Trump doubled tariffs on Chinese imports to 20 percent, a move that Beijing quickly retaliated against by imposing up to 15 percent tariffs on some U.S. farm goods.

This sharp escalation in trade tensions comes as both nations exchange growing accusations, with China arguing that the U.S. is using the fentanyl crisis as an excuse to impose tariffs.

Fentanyl Crisis at the Center of Trade Disputes

The ongoing fentanyl crisis has become a major point of contention in U.S.-China relations.

Trump has repeatedly criticized China for not doing enough to stop the flow of fentanyl into the U.S., claiming the country must take more responsibility for curbing the drug trade.

In response, China has insisted that the U.S. bears primary responsibility for its own fentanyl crisis, accusing the U.S. of using the issue to justify the imposition of tariffs.

U.S. Imposes Tariffs on Canada and Mexico

At the same time, President Trump has been imposing additional tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico.

This week, he slapped a 25 percent tariff on all goods coming from both countries, while also increasing tariffs on Chinese imports.

The president has called on Mexico and Canada to do more to address the fentanyl issue at their borders, further complicating the trade situation.

Potential Tariff Adjustments on the Horizon

While tensions remain high, there are signs that the White House might announce some tariff carveouts as early as Wednesday.

These potential adjustments could provide some relief to specific sectors, but the broader trade war between the U.S., China, Canada, and Mexico continues to escalate, leaving businesses and consumers bracing for further economic uncertainty.