Bombshell: US, China announce readiness for war

In an escalation of tensions between the United States and China, both nations have publicly declared their preparedness for a potential war.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Chinese officials have engaged in a war of words, with each side emphasizing their readiness to confront the other amid rising trade disputes and military posturing.

Hegseth, speaking on Fox & Friends, asserted that the United States is fully prepared for any eventuality, including war with China.

“Well, we’re prepared. Those who long for peace must prepare for war,” 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.”

He emphasized the importance of military readiness, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region, where the US has been increasing its focus.

“We need the defense spending, the capabilities, the weapons, and the posture in the Indo-Pacific, which is something we’re very much focused on,” Hegseth added.

The US Defense Secretary’s remarks came in response to recent warnings from China, which has also signaled its readiness for confrontation.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian issued a stern statement, declaring that China is prepared for “any form of war” if the US continues its economic and trade confrontations.

“If the United States… persists in waging a tariff war, a trade war, or any other kind of war, the Chinese side will fight them to the bitter end,” Lin said.

The Chinese Embassy in the US echoed this sentiment, stating, “If war is what the U.S. wants, be it a tariff war, a trade war, or any other type of war, we’re ready to fight till the end.”

These statements reflect Beijing’s growing frustration with the Trump administration’s aggressive trade policies, including the recent decision to increase tariffs on all Chinese imports from 10% to 20%.

In retaliation, China has imposed a 15% tariff on US agricultural products, including chicken, wheat, corn, and cotton, along with a 10% duty on sorghum, soybeans, pork, beef, seafood, fruits, vegetables, and dairy products.

The move is seen as a direct response to the US’s escalating trade measures, which China has criticized as unjust and counterproductive.

Adding to the tension, China has accused the US of using the fentanyl crisis as a pretext to justify trade restrictions.

Lin criticized the US approach, stating, “The fentanyl issue is a flimsy excuse to raise US tariffs on Chinese imports. Our countermeasures to defend our rights and interests are fully legitimate and necessary.”

He further accused the US of unfairly targeting China, saying, “Instead of recognizing our efforts, the US has sought to smear and shift blame to China, and is seeking to pressure and blackmail China with tariff hikes. They’ve been punishing us for helping them. This is not going to solve the US’s problem and will undermine our counternarcotics dialogue and cooperation.”

The escalating rhetoric between the two nations has raised concerns about the potential for a broader conflict, both economically and militarily.

While both sides have emphasized their desire to avoid war, their actions and statements suggest a growing willingness to confront each other directly.

Meanwhile, the US’s trade disputes are not limited to China. Canada has also retaliated against the Trump administration’s trade measures, imposing 25% tariffs on a range of US imports.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau warned of the economic consequences for Americans, stating, “Tariffs against Canada will put your jobs at risk, potentially shutting down American auto assembly plants and other manufacturing facilities. They will raise costs for you, including food at the grocery store and gas at the pump.”

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