Defence Secretary says US is ready for any war amid new China tariffs
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The Secretary of Defense's remarks comes as the US and China engage in a trade war, with China most recently imposing a set of tariffs in response to Trump's latest 10% tariff on China.
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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth speaks during a media conference at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Feb. 13, 2025 (AP)
The United States is "prepared" to fight any type of war with China, according to United States Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on Wednesday.
“Well, we’re prepared. Those who long for peace must prepare for war. We are. That's why we're rebuilding our military,” the Defense Secretary stated in an interview with Fox News, in response to Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Li Jian stating that China is prepared for "any" type of war.
This follows the implementation of a 10% tariff on Chinese imports on Tuesday, marking the second tariff imposed by Trump on China, bringing the total tariff to 20%, which prompted the Chinese Finance Ministry to respond to the new 10% tariff by imposing duties on US imports.
China counters US tariffs
On Tuesday, China imposed 15% tariffs on US chicken, wheat, corn, and cotton in addition to a 10% tariff on soybeans, sorghum, pork, beef, seafood, fruits, vegetables, and dairy products, set to go into effect on March 10, according to a Chinese Foreign Ministry Statement.
"The US' unilateral tariff measures seriously violate World Trade Organization rules and undermine the basis for economic and trade cooperation between China and the US," China's Ministry of Commerce stated, emphasizing that "China will firmly safeguard its legitimate rights and interests."
On February 4, China imposed a 15% tariff on US coal and liquefied natural gas, in addition to a 10% tariff on crude oil, agricultural equipment, and certain cars, which went into effect on February 10, in response to Trump launching his first 10% tariff on Chinese imports.
As Washington and Beijing escalate the trade war between the two countries, Trump said that he is in no rush to hold talks with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, as fears of a trade war between the two countries rise.
Trump justifies his tariffs on China by claiming that it is responsible for the fentanyl epidemic in the United States, something Beijing said is a US problem, emphasizing that China has done its part in combating fentanyl trafficking.
