China calls US defense chief’s remarks ‘ideological confrontation’

ISTANBUL

China on Thursday called US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's remarks about rebuilding the military and preparing for war with Beijing an “ideological confrontation.”

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Wednesday that Washington is “prepared” for war with China, as a response to Beijing’s threats following the president’s imposition of new tariffs.

He said Washington does not "seek" war with China, and Trump "has sought historic peace and historic opportunity" with Beijing, while emphasizing his duty as defense secretary to ensure his country is prepared.

“The rhetoric of the US official is aimed at fueling ideological confrontation and spreading so-called ‘China threat’ that doesn’t exist,” said Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian at a news conference in response to Hegseth’s remarks.

Lin also criticized Washington for viewing bilateral relations with an “outdated Cold War mentality,” adding that no kind of war should be fought.

“The US must no longer seek to contain or go after China in the name of strategic competition. We’ve always held the clear-cut view that whatever kind of war it is, a tariff war or a trade war, a cold war or a hot war, they should not be fought and cannot be won,” said Lin.