The Chinese embassy warned it’s ‘ready to fight till the end’ of ‘any type’ of war with the US
Secretary of Defense Peter Hegseth has argued the US must ‘prepare for war’ and remain ‘strong’ amid tensions rising with China.
Trump’s Bold Tariff Move Sparks Retaliation from China
In a dramatic escalation of trade tensions, Donald Trump last month signed an order imposing sweeping tariffs aimed at holding China, Mexico, and Canada accountable for their promises to curb illegal immigration and the flow of fentanyl and other deadly drugs into the U.S.
The order, which took effect on March 4 after a 30-day pause, slaps an additional 10% tariff on all imported goods from China, bringing the total tariff to 20%. A White House press release accused Chinese officials of failing to take meaningful action to stop the export of precursor chemicals used in fentanyl production and to crack down on money laundering by transnational criminal organizations.
China Hits Back with Counter-Tariffs
In response, China swiftly retaliated, announcing a 15% tax on U.S. coal and liquefied natural gas (LNG) along with a 10% levy on crude oil, farming equipment, and select American-made cars. The trade battle didn’t stop there—China later expanded its tariffs, adding:
- 10% duties on sorghum, soybeans, pork, beef, seafood, fruit, vegetables, and dairy products
- 15% tariffs on U.S.-grown chicken, wheat, corn, and cotton
- 15 American companies placed on China’s export control list
China’s Defiant Response
The Chinese embassy in Washington did not hold back, taking to Twitter to denounce Trump’s actions. Their statement read:
“If the U.S. truly wants to solve the fentanyl issue, the right thing to do is to consult with China by treating each other as equals.”
As tensions continue to rise, the impact of these economic blows between the world’s two largest economies remains to be seen.
China Issues Defiant Warning as U.S. Prepares for Possible Conflict
As tensions between the United States and China continue to escalate, Beijing has fired back with a stark warning:
“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.”
U.S. Defense Secretary Responds: ‘We Are Prepared’
In response, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth acknowledged the rising tensions but reassured the nation that America is fully prepared for any potential conflict, even as he maintained that Trump has a ‘great relationship’ with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Speaking on Fox News’ Fox & Friends, Hegseth invoked a powerful message:
“Those who long for peace must prepare for war.”
He went on to emphasize the United States’ ongoing military resurgence, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to strengthening national defense and restoring military deterrence:
“That’s why we’re rebuilding our military. That’s why we’re re-establishing deterrence in the warrior ethos.”
With both sides standing firm, the standoff between the world’s two largest superpowers shows no signs of de-escalation.
Hegseth: U.S. Must Stay Strong to Deter War with China
As tensions with China reach a boiling point, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has issued a stark warning about the growing global threats the nation faces.
“We live in a dangerous world with powerful, ascendant countries that hold very different ideologies,” Hegseth stated, pointing to nations ramping up defense spending and advancing military technology in an effort to challenge U.S. dominance.
He made it clear that America cannot afford to fall behind:
“They’re rapidly increasing their defense spending, modern technology—they want to supplant the United States.”
Hegseth concluded with a firm resolution:
“If we want to deter war with the Chinese or others, we have to be strong.”
With global tensions rising, his remarks reinforce the administration’s commitment to military readiness and national security.
