New Delhi, June 1 -- China's army "is rehearsing for the real deal," US defence secretary Pete Hegseth warned on Saturday, citing "credible preparations" by Beijing to use force in the Indo-Pacific that the Pentagon hopes to deter through Asian partners like India. Hegseth's remarks come as President Trump's administration clashes with Beijing over trade, technology, and influence across strategic regions. "We do not seek conflict with Communist China. We will not instigate nor seek to subjugate or humiliate. President Trump and the American people have immense respect for the Chinese people and their civilisation. But we will not be pushed out of this critical region, and we will not let our allies and partners be subordinated and intimida...