Washington: The tariff war between the United States, India, and China has reached an intense stage, with Russia extending support to the two Asian powers. Russian President Vladimir Putin issued a strong warning, urging US President Donald Trump and other leaders to speak with restraint. Meanwhile, Trump signaled plans to impose additional tariffs on India, fueling further global tensions.
Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth confirmed that Trump has directed the Defense Department to be ready to counter challenges from Russia and China. He clarified, however, that Washington is not seeking confrontation but intends to maintain a robust deterrent posture. “These are precautionary steps, not moves to provoke conflict,” Hegseth said, stressing that diplomatic measures remain the President’s priority.
US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth stated in an interview with Fox News that Donald Trump instructed the Pentagon:
"Be ready to restore the military by historical means, bring back the military spirit, and restore deterrence, not because we are seeking conflict."Hegseth… pic.twitter.com/T6wOzCuYwy
— Dagny Taggart (@DagnyTaggart963) September 3, 2025
Hegseth pointed to China’s recent weapons exhibition in Beijing—attended by Russian and North Korean leaders—as a show of strength aimed at exposing American weaknesses. He noted that past US policies had pushed Russia and China closer, which has now prompted Trump to call for a historic rebuilding of US military capabilities.
Reiterating the administration’s defensive intent, Hegseth emphasized Trump’s diplomatic approach, citing his strong personal ties with Chinese President Xi Jinping as a channel to explore solutions and ease tensions.