China slams US defence secretary's remarks, warns against military conflict

Beijing has responded sharply to comments made by US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth regarding the possibility of military confrontation between the two nations.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian criticized Hegseth's statement that the US is rebuilding its military to prepare for potential conflict with China, despite not actively seeking war. Lin accused Hegseth of intentionally stoking ideological confrontation and promoting the so-called “China threat" narrative, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

"Whether it's a tariff war or a trade war, whether it's a cold war or a hot war, it should not be fought and cannot be won," Lin asserted, emphasizing China's stance on avoiding conflict. He further criticized the Trump administration for viewing US-China relations through the "outdated lens of Cold War thinking."

The comments from Lin came in response to Hegseth's remarks on March 4, when the US Defence Secretary declared that the US is "prepared" for a war with China, particularly after Beijing's threatening rhetoric in the wake of President Donald Trump's recent tariffs.

"We're prepared," Hegseth said in an interview on Fox News, reinforcing the importance of military readiness to deter conflict. "Those who long for peace must prepare for war," he added, highlighting ongoing efforts to modernize the US military.

Hegseth also pointed to the increasing defence spending and technological advancements of countries like China, which he said are striving to surpass the US. "We live in a dangerous world with powerful, ascendant countries with very different ideologies," Hegseth remarked, emphasizing the growing global military competition.

The heated exchange between the two countries follows increasing tensions over trade policies and military posturing, with both sides remaining firm in their positions. Lin Jian's warning, "China is ready to fight till the end," underscores the seriousness with which Beijing views the ongoing trade conflict and its broader geopolitical implications.

By Vafa Guliyeva