One of the most time-tested principles in international affairs is the prescription “If you want peace, prepare for war.” 

Since he became Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth has been clear about the most serious threat against which we must prepare – namely, that posed by the Chinese Communist Party. 

The long-awaited National Defense Strategy reportedly will emphasize that reality. Secretary Hegseth told senior military leaders recently there would be “no rear areas” in the next war –presumably, because of the large numbers of Chinese soldiers here. 

And on Saturday, Secretary Hegseth warned Asian nations of the imperative of improving “threat awareness” and maritime capabilities in the face of China's increasingly “destabilizing” and “coercive” actions in the South China Sea.  

If you want “everlasting peace” with China, prepare for war – and help bring down the greatest threat we’ve ever faced: the Chinese Communist Party.

This is Frank Gaffney.