Overview

• At Beijing’s World Peace Forum on July 3, Liu Jianchao accused Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth of inciting confrontation by prioritizing military force over diplomacy.
• He labeled the US “peace through strength” message a rebranding of hegemonism that flexes muscles instead of fostering dialogue.
• Liu warned that the Trump administration’s security mindset could lead to “shared destruction” and trap great powers in a Thucydides Trap.
• The official described war between China and the US as “unimaginable” but identified Taiwan and the South China Sea as potential flashpoints.
• He reaffirmed China’s commitment to peaceful reunification, pledged to prevent Taiwan independence, and urged negotiations to resolve South China Sea disputes.