In a rare acknowledgment, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has sounded the alarm over China’s growing military prowess—specifically, its hypersonic missile capabilities.
In a revealing interview, Pete Hegseth stated bluntly: “China’s 15 hypersonic missiles can take out 10 aircraft carriers in the first 20 minutes of the conflict.” That’s not a figure of speech—it’s a realistic combat scenario based on advanced Chinese missile capabilities.
Traditionally, U.S. global reach has depended on aircraft carriers, which act as mobile military bases at sea. But Hegseth’s remarks challenge this foundation, warning that these carriers are increasingly vulnerable in the age of hypersonic warfare.
Perhaps even more startling is Hegseth’s admission that the United States “loses to China in every war game” conducted by the Pentagon. These simulations, designed to test responses to various conflict scenarios, suggest that China’s military is being purpose-built to exploit U.S. weaknesses.
He attributes this strategic disadvantage to a bloated defense bureaucracy and sluggish weapons procurement systems—factors that have slowed America’s adaptation to modern warfare. “China is building an army specifically designed to destroy the U.S.,” he emphasized.
Hegseth also highlighted China’s increasing control over the Panama Canal, a vital shipping route where 40% of U.S. container traffic passes each year. With Chinese investment surging in the region since Panama’s diplomatic pivot toward Beijing in 2017, Beijing now holds influence at both ends of the canal through Hutchison Ports PPC, a firm with ties to the Chinese government.
This has raised alarms in Washington. Despite the concern, Hegseth reaffirmed confidence in a new bilateral agreement that enables U.S. troops to conduct activities at Panamanian facilities, saying, “China poses an ongoing threat to the Panama Canal, but together the United States and Panama will keep it secure.”
The move is part of President Donald Trump’s renewed efforts to “take back” the strategic waterway, which the U.S. built and controlled until 1999.
According to a December 2024 Department of Defense (DoD) report, China has made significant advances in hypersonic missile tech over the past two decades. Systems like the DF-17—a medium-range ballistic missile armed with a hypersonic glide vehicle—are transforming the People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) missile force.
Another notable system is the DF-27, capable of carrying nuclear or conventional warheads, potentially ranging up to 8,000 km (4,971 miles). Chinese media even suggest this missile could reach as far as Alaska and Hawaii.
Back in July 2021, China successfully tested a hypersonic missile that circled the globe, traveling a staggering 40,000 km (24,854 miles)—a demonstration of both ambition and capability.
The YJ-21, revealed in 2022, is yet another hypersonic weapon specifically designed to neutralize aircraft carriers. The U.S. DoD now considers China to have the world’s leading hypersonic missile arsenal, with a sharp focus on both conventional and nuclear platforms.
