US reacts to China’s warning ‘ready for any war,’ Pentagon says, ‘we are prepared ‘

In what comes as a signal of escalating tensions between the US and China, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth on Wednesday stressed that the United States is “prepared” to go to war with China. The development came after Beijing warned the US that it is ready to fight any war, be it a tariff war or any other war.

In a sharp response, Hegseth said, “We’re prepared. Those who long for peace must prepare for war.”

While stressing that military strength is key to deterring conflict, Hegseth added, “That’s why we’re rebuilding our military. If we want to deter war with the Chinese or others, we have to be strong, and that president understands peace comes through strength,” according to a media report.