Rising tensions between the United States and China have prompted stark warnings from a senior Chinese official, who cautioned that any military conflict between the two nations would lead to “Armageddon.” Victor Gao, vice-president of the Beijing-based Center for China and Globalization, made these remarks during an interview on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, reflecting on the escalating hostilities amid ongoing disputes over trade, technology, and security.
Mr Gao highlighted the comprehensive nature of the dispute, pointing to tariffs, scientific rivalry, and military posturing as contributing factors. Since April 2, under former President Donald Trump’s administration, the US reintroduced significant tariffs on Chinese goods, reaching levels as high as 145%, intended to address trade imbalances and counter Beijing’s industrial strategies. China retaliated with tariffs of its own, valued at approximately 125%, leading to a prolonged trade war between the two economic superpowers.
Addressing questions regarding China’s military expansion, Mr Gao attributed the build-up directly to perceived threats from the United States. He stated, “Why? Because the United States constantly threatens war against China.” He further described the multifaceted nature of the conflict, referring to it as a tariff war, trade war, scientific war, tech war, chips war, and even potentially a Cold War or proxy war.
Emphasising the peril of military confrontation, Mr Gao underscored the extensive arsenals possessed by both nations, remarking: “Both countries are armed to the teeth, both countries have enough military weapons and nuclear warheads to destroy each other and the rest of the world multiple times.” He warned that should Washington decide to initiate conflict, it would be tantamount to triggering global catastrophe, stating, “They are talking about they themselves being bombed out, and they will be the trigger for Armageddon.”
He advocated for a diplomatic approach to resolving disputes, urging US policymakers to “really calm down whatever problems there are between China and the United States” and to engage in dialogue. However, Mr Gao was unequivocal about the conditions under which Beijing would engage in discussions, insisting that China will not initiate talks unless the United States approaches with respect. He made clear the consequences of aggressive strategies, saying, “If they want to hold a gun at China's head, China will hold a gun at its head.”
Highlighting China’s economic stature, Mr Gao pointed out the country's expanding market size relative to the United States, noting an economic future where, as Tesla’s CEO Elon Musk reportedly predicted, the Chinese market could become two or three times larger than that of the US by mid-century. He suggested that attempts by the US to isolate China would backfire, resulting in the country itself becoming locked out of the lucrative Chinese market.
This cautionary message comes amid ongoing tensions including the military conduct of Chinese naval vessels and various security exercises in the region, such as Taiwan’s recent live-fire drills on the Penghu islands. The geopolitical interplay continues to unfold against a background of military and economic posturing on both sides, underscoring the complex and multifaceted nature of US-China relations today. The Express is reporting these developments.
Source: Noah Wire Services