Saudi Press

Saudi Arabia and the world
Monday, Jun 23, 2025

World War 3: Henry Kissinger warns of ‘catastrophic’ conflict between China and US

World War 3: Henry Kissinger warns of ‘catastrophic’ conflict between China and US

THE US-China trade war could lead to a "catastrophic outcome" that "will be worse than world wars", according to a former US secretary of state.

Henry Kissinger said the "future of the world" depended on the US and China resolving their differences. He warned competition between the world's two largest economies was "permanent" and that they had to "get used to" the "rivalry" or risk disastrous consequences.

Mr Kissinger was the diplomatic driving force behind then US President Richard Nixon's groundbreaking visit to China in 1972.

Known in Beijing as "an old friend of the Chinese people", he also met with Chinese President Xi Jinping and senior cabinet officials ahead of the G20 meeting between President Donald Trump and Mr Xi last year.

Speaking in New York on Thursday, the 96-year-old veteran said the relationship between the US and China began as a strategic one under mutual pressure from the Soviet Union.

He told his audience: “There were differences at the beginning of the relationship.

"Nevertheless, we’ve learned to live with each other for many decades."

Mr Kissinger argued that there were fundamental differences between the American and Chinese way of negotiations, so the US needed to change their mindset with a rising China.

“It is no longer possible to think that one side can dominate the other.

"So those countries that used to be exceptional and used to be unique, have to get used to the fact that they have a rival.

He added: “Competition is permanent.”

The former US secretary of state said conflicts were "inevitable" given the history between the superpowers, however failure to mend relations would be extremely dangerous.

He said: “There may not be a complete agreement.

"What is imperative is that both countries understand that a permanent conflict between them cannot be won.

"There will be a catastrophic outcome if it leads to permanent conflict."

The result would be "worse than the world wars that ruined European civilisation", he warned.

“We are in a difficult period now.

"I am confident the leaders on both sides will realise the future of the world depends on the two sides working out solutions and managing the inevitable difficulties.

Mr Kissinger's comments came as trade war talks between Washington and Beijing rumble on.

Tensions have been simmering for some time, but boiled over when President Trump hiked tariffs and trade barriers after the US grew restless over unfair trade methods from Beijing.

Washington complaints included theft of trade secrets, theft of intellectual property and forced transfer of US technology to China.

The subsequent economic impact on both has been huge, particularly on China as it looks to propel itself into dominance.

President Xi blamed Mr Trump for political hostility that has gripped the two countries.

He said: “Protectionist and bullying counter-currents bring shocks to international trade, adding to downward pressure on the world economy.”

Newsletter

Related Articles

Saudi Press
0:00
0:00
Close
WATCH: Israeli forces show the aftermath of a massive airstrike at Iran's Isfahan nuclear site
We have new information and breaking details to share about what is shaping up to be a historic air campaign tonight
Six Massive Bombs Dropped on Fordow; Trump: 'A Historic Moment for the U.S., Israel, and the World'
Fordow: Deeply Buried Iranian Enrichment Site in U.S.–Israel Crosshairs
United States Conducts Precision Strikes on Iran’s Nuclear Sites
US strikes Iran nuclear sites, Trump says
Pakistan to nominate Trump for Nobel Peace Prize.
Israel Confirms Assassination of Quds Force Commander in Tehran
16 Billion Login Credentials Leaked in Unprecedented Cybersecurity Breach
Senate hearing on who was 'really running' Biden White House kicks off
G7 Leaders Fail to Reach Consensus on Key Global Issues
Mass exodus in Tehran as millions try to flee following Trump’s evacuation order
Iranian Military Officers Reportedly Seek Contact with Reza Pahlavi, Signal Intent to Defect
Vietnam Emerges as Luxury Yacht Destination for Ultra‑Rich
China's Iranian Oil Imports Face Disruption Amid Escalating Middle East Tensions
Trump Demands Iran's Unconditional Surrender Amid Escalating Conflict
Israeli Airstrike Targets Iranian State TV in Central Tehran
President Trump is leaving the G7 summit early and has ordered the National Security Council to the Situation Room
Netanyahu Signals Potential Regime Change in Iran
Analysts Warn Iran May Resort to Unconventional Warfare
Iranian Regime Faces Existential Threat Amid Conflict
Energy Infrastructure Becomes War Zone in Middle East
Iran Conducts Ballistic Missile Launches Amid Heightened Tensions with Israel
Iran Signals Openness to Nuclear Negotiations Amid Ongoing Regional Tensions
Shock Within Iran’s Leadership: Khamenei’s Failed Plan to Launch 1,000 Missiles Against Israel
Trump's Anti-War Stance Tested Amid Israel-Iran Conflict
UK Deploys Jets to Middle East Amid Rising Tensions
Exiled Iranian Prince Reza Pahlavi Urges Overthrow of Khamenei Regime
Wreck of $17 Billion San José Galleon Identified Off Colombia After 300 Years
Iran Launches Extensive Missile Attack on Israel Following Israeli Strikes on Nuclear Sites
Israel Issues Ultimatum to Iran Over Potential Retaliation and Nuclear Facilities
Black Box Recovered from Air India Crash Site
Coinbase CEO Warns Bitcoin Could Supplant US Dollar Amid Mounting National Debt
Trump to Iran: Make a Deal — Sign or Die
Operation "Like a Lion": Israel Strikes Iran in Unprecedented Offensive
Israel Launches 'Operation Rising Lion' Targeting Iranian Nuclear and Military Sites
Israeli Forces Intercept Gaza-Bound Aid Vessel Carrying Greta Thunberg
IMF Warns of Severe Global Trade War Impacts on Emerging Markets
Syria to Reconnect to Global Economy After 14 Years of Isolation
Israel Confirms Arming Gaza Clan to Counter Hamas Influence
Global News Roundup: From Ukraine's strategic military strikes and Russia's demands and Tensions Escalate in Ukraine, to serious legal issues faced by Britons in Bali and Trump's media criticism, the latest developments highlight a turbulent landscape
U.S. Reduces Military Presence in Syria
Trump Demands Iran End All Uranium Enrichment in Nuclear Talks
Iran Warns Europe Against Politicizing UN Nuclear Report
Paris Saint-Germain's Greatest Triumph Is Football’s Lowest Point
OPEC+ Agrees to Increase Oil Output for Third Consecutive Month
Turkey Detains Istanbul Officials Amid Anti-Corruption Crackdown
Meta and Anduril Collaborate on AI-Driven Military Augmented Reality Systems
EU Central Bank Pushes to Replace US Dollar with Euro as World’s Main Currency
European and Arab Ministers Convene in Madrid to Address Gaza Conflict
×