U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned that China’s hypersonic missiles could destroy the entire U.S. aircraft carrier fleet in 20 minutes, highlighting China’s advanced missile capabilities, including the DF-17 and DF-27.
He noted that the U.S. loses to China in every Pentagon war game, attributing this to bureaucratic delays in U.S. weapon development.
Hegseth also raised concerns about China’s growing influence over the Panama Canal, a critical trade route for the U.S., where Beijing controls nearby ports and has increased infrastructure investments since Panama recognized China over Taiwan in 2017.
A recent U.S.-Panama deal aims to secure the canal through joint military activities.
The Pentagon’s 2024 report underscores China’s leading hypersonic arsenal, capable of targeting foreign bases and fleets, posing a significant strategic threat.
Author: Saikat Bhattacharya
