China rehearsing for war: Pentagon chief

China's army "is rehearsing for the real deal," US defense secretary Pete Hegseth warned on Saturday, citing "credible preparations" by Beijing to use force in the Indo-Pacific that the Pentagon hopes to deter through Asian partners like India.

- Shashank Mattoo

NEW DELHI:

Hegseth's remarks come as President Trump's administration clashes with Beijing over trade, technology, and influence across strategic regions.

"We do not seek conflict with Communist China. We will not instigate nor seek to subjugate or humiliate. President Trump and the American people have immense respect for the Chinese people and their civilization. But we will not be pushed out of this critical region, and we will not let our allies and partners be subordinated and intimidated," Hegseth said in his 36-minute address at Singapore's Shangri La Dialogue, a geopolitical conference attracting Asia's most influential politicians, military officials and analysts.