In a shocking turn of events, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has declared that the United States is prepared to go to war with China. His comments come after China issued threats in response to President Donald Trump’s new tariffs on Chinese imports. The situation is escalating quickly, with both nations signaling a hard-line stance.

Speaking on Fox & Friends, Hegseth stated, “We’re prepared.” He emphasized the importance of military strength, saying,

“Those who long for peace must prepare for war.”

His remarks followed a strong statement from the Chinese government, warning that Beijing is ready to fight any type of war if the US continues its aggressive economic policies.

The conflict began after Trump doubled tariffs on Chinese goods, raising them from 10% to 20%. China retaliated by imposing its own tariffs on American agricultural and food products. Additionally, China placed 25 US firms under trade restrictions, citing national security concerns.

Hegseth explained that the US military is undergoing a major rebuilding effort, reinforcing America’s global strength. He warned that China is rapidly expanding its defense capabilities, making it crucial for the US to stay ahead.

Despite the escalating tensions, Hegseth assured that Trump still maintains a working relationship with Chinese President Xi Jinping. He stated that the administration remains committed to seeking “historic peace and historic opportunities.”

With neither side backing down, experts fear that the trade war could spiral into something far more serious. As tensions grow, the world watches closely to see how this high-stakes standoff will unfold.