China has warned the U.S. against engaging in any conflict, stating that such wars "cannot be won." The Chinese Embassy in the U.S. criticized Washington’s "Cold War mentality" after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth claimed America is ready for war with China. Tensions over trade and military policies continue to rise.
China has warned the U.S. against engaging in any conflict, stating that such wars "cannot be won." The Chinese Embassy in the U.S. criticized Washington’s "Cold War mentality" after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth claimed America is ready for war with China. Tensions over trade and military policies continue to rise.
Tensions between the United States and China have escalated following a strong warning from Beijing, cautioning Washington against engaging in any form of conflict. The Chinese Embassy in the U.S. issued the statement on Thursday, March 6, through its official X account, urging American leaders to abandon what it described as an “outdated Cold War mentality.”
The embassy’s message emphasized that China rejects all forms of confrontation—be it economic, political, or military. “The U.S. needs to realise that China is not a mirror image of the hegemonic U.S.,” the statement read. “The U.S. 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.”
The warning comes in response to comments made by U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who asserted in a television interview that the U.S. is “prepared” for potential conflict with China. Speaking on Fox & Friends on Wednesday morning, Hegseth addressed concerns over Beijing’s growing influence and military assertiveness.
The diplomatic standoff highlights ongoing tensions over issues such as Taiwan, trade policies, and military activity in the Indo-Pacific. While both nations maintain that they seek peaceful relations, recent rhetoric suggests a deepening rivalry that could shape global geopolitics in the years to come.
