United States Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, said on Wednesday that the United States are “prepared” to face any kind of war with China amid the worsening commercial tensions between the two countries.
The statement was given after the entry into force of new fares imposed by the government of President Donald Trump, which affect products from both China and Mexico and Canada.
On Tuesday, 4, a 10% increase in rates on Chinese imports came into force, as well as additional fees on Mexico and Canada products.
This is the second increase in fare on Chinese products since Trump’s possession, which raises the total rates about China products to 20%. The announcement caused a firm response from the Chinese authorities, who reacted with new tariff measures.
Hegseth, in an interview with Fox News, stressed that the United States is preparing for possible conflict scenarios.
“Well, we are prepared. Those who yearn for peace must prepare for war. We are. That’s why we are rebuilding our Armed Forces, ”he said.
Hegseth’s statement is a direct response to a commentary previously made by China Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian, who said China is ready to face “any kind of war” in response to the new tariffs imposed by the United States.
The impact of tariffs was expanded by the announcement by China’s Ministry of Finance on Tuesday, when the Chinese government reported that, from March 10, it will apply new rates on US products.
Among the affected items are wheat, with a rate of 15%, and beef, fruits, vegetables and dairy, which will suffer a 10%rate.
These new rates add up to other measures implemented by China in February, such as a 15% rate on coal and US liquefied natural gas, plus a 10% rate on a number of other products.
The additional tariffs announced by both countries represent an intensification of commercial disputes that had been fought since the Trump administration’s beginning, which imposed on billions of dollars in Chinese products, accusing the country of unfair trade practices.
China’s response has been equally firm, with the Chinese government implementing tariffs on a wide range of US products in an effort to press the United States to revert their policies.
Commercial measures, which aim to protect national industries and reduce commercial deficits, have generated a climate of uncertainty in global markets, affecting international trade and increasing political tensions.
In addition to tariffs on agricultural and industrial products, China has also adopted an aggressive stance on other aspects of bilateral trade with the United States, such as issues related to technology and intellectual property.
The trade war between the two largest economies in the world has direct impacts on the global economy. Increased rates can affect prices of a wide range of products and negatively impact economic growth in both China and the United States.
In addition, the extension of tensions can affect international trade, creating an environment of uncertainty for investors and companies that depend on trade between countries.
Despite intense commercial disputes, authorities on both sides still maintain open dialogue channels, with negotiations on a possible ongoing trade agreement. However, recent statements and measures show that the solution to the impasse is still far from being achieved.
The aggravation of commercial tensions between the two powers reflects an increasingly complex scenario in international relations, which go beyond trade and encompass broader geopolitical issues, such as national security and influence on global trade.
Source: https://www.ocafezinho.com/2025/03/05/chefe-do-pentagono-diz-a-china-que-eua-estao-preparados-para-a-guerra/
