Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson Wu Qian. Photo: Chinese Defense Ministry

When asked to comment on the news that US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has suggested renaming the Department of Defense to the Department of War, and previously, Hegseth had stated that the US does not seek to go to war with China but will rebuild its military to be prepared for conflict, China's Defense Ministry spokesperson Wu Qian told the Global Times on Thursday that whether the US Department of Defense changes its name is an internal matter for the US, and the ministry does not comment on such a question.

"However, the previous statements from the US incited confrontation between China and the US, and China firmly opposes this," he said. 

"We urge the US to abandon its obsession with 'zero-sum games,' not to use its own hegemonic logic to 'mirror' China, and not to incite war. Instead, it should take practical actions to maintain stability in the relationship between the two countries and their militaries. The Chinese People's Liberation Army will resolutely counter all threats and provocations with stronger will, greater capability, and more reliable means," Wu said. 

Hegseth has initiated a public discussion on social media platform X about renaming the Department of Defense to its historical name "Department of War."

"Better name? Have my thoughts…welcome yours." Hegseth wrote while sharing a public poll regarding the new name of the Department of Defense on his X account.

As of Thursday after, the poll result showed 54.3 percent chose "Department of War."

Global Times