A Stark Warning from China
China has issued a stern warning to the United States, cautioning against engaging in any form of conflict, whether economic, political, or military. In a statement posted on the Chinese Embassy’s X account on March 6, 2025, China urged the US to abandon its “outdated Cold War mentality” and avoid actions that could escalate tensions between the two global powers.
The warning comes in response to remarks by US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who recently stated that the US is “prepared” to go to war with China.
China’s Message: A Call for Peace
The Chinese Embassy’s post emphasized that no form of war—be it a tariff war, trade war, cold war, or hot war—can be won. The statement read:
“The US needs to realize that China is not a mirror image of the hegemonic US. The US should stop viewing China-US relations with an outdated Cold War mentality. The US must no longer seek to contain or go after China in the name of strategic competition. Whatever kind of war it is—whether a tariff war, a trade war, a cold war, or a hot war—they should not be fought and cannot be won.”
This message underscores China’s commitment to avoiding conflict while asserting its position as a global power that cannot be easily contained.
US Defense Secretary’s Provocative Remarks
The Chinese warning was prompted by comments made by US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth during an appearance on Fox & Friends on March 5, 2025. When asked about the US’s readiness for potential conflict with China, Hegseth stated that the US is “prepared” to go to war if necessary.
These remarks reflect the growing tensions between the two nations, which have been at odds over issues such as trade, Taiwan, cybersecurity, and military posturing in the Indo-Pacific region.
The Bigger Picture: Rising US-China Tensions
The exchange highlights the fragile state of US-China relations, which have been strained in recent years due to:
Trade disputes and economic competition.
Military buildups in the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait.
Technological rivalries, particularly in semiconductors and artificial intelligence.
Diplomatic clashes over human rights and global influence.
China’s warning serves as a reminder of the high stakes involved in any potential conflict between the world’s two largest economies.
Conclusion: A Call for Diplomacy
As tensions between the US and China continue to rise, China’s warning against war underscores the need for diplomacy and dialogue. Both nations have much to lose from a prolonged conflict, and the global community would undoubtedly suffer the consequences.
The ball is now in the US’s court to decide whether to escalate tensions or seek a path toward peaceful coexistence. One thing is clear: in the words of China, “any war cannot be won.”