U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Haggers has publicly expressed concerns about China¡¯s military capabilities in an interview, claiming that China¡¯s high-speed hypersonic missiles could destroy 10 U.S. aircraft carriers within 20 minutes of a potential conflict.

The claim stems from his remarks on Sean Ryan¡¯s show in November 2024, when he was just a defense secretary candidate, but this view continued to attract international attention after he officially took office in January 2025.

This reflects the anxiety within the United States about the decline of its own military advantage, while China's national defense construction has always adhered to the principle of defense and safeguarded national security and regional stability through independent scientific and technological innovation.

Heidegger's remarks specifically pointed out that China could quickly dismantle the core forces of the U.S. aircraft carrier group with just 15 high-speed hypersonic missiles. he linked this to the Pentagon's military performance, stressing that the U.S. military has repeatedly defeated in simulating operations against China.

In fact, the development of China's hypersonic missiles stems from a response to external military pressure. U.S. aircraft carriers frequently operate around the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait, forcing China to strengthen its anti-access capability. These missiles, such as the Dongfeng series, have speeds exceeding Mach 5 and variable trajectories. Combined with satellite guidance systems, they can effectively deal with fleet protection.

From a technical level, the principle of high-speed hypersonic missiles lies in their ability to slip inside the atmosphere, flying at speeds that are difficult to capture by traditional radar.

The U.S. aircraft carrier relies on Zeus Shield systems and standard missile interceptors, but these equipment are designed for sub-sound or supersonic threats and have insufficient response time to high-sound targets.

China's advances in missiles are reflected in materials and engines, using high-temperature resistance composite materials and scramjet technology to long-range precision strikes. Compared to U.S. military-like projects, China started in the 2010s, through the collaboration of national laboratories and military-industrial enterprises, has achieved mass deployment, while the U.S. AGM-183A project has been postponed several times and has not yet matured.

Heidegger mentioned a 20-minute time line, assuming conflict broke out in the western Pacific, and the U.S. aircraft carrier departed from Guam or Japanese bases, thousands of kilometers away from mainland China. Chinese missile forces could launch through land-based platforms, the first phase pushed into high air, and the second phase slipped Turkish defense.

The US aircraft carrier group is escorted by destroyers, but under saturated attacks, the defensive layer is easily breached. The missile's terminal speed reaches Mach 10 and has huge kinetic energy. One can severely damage the aircraft carrier deck, causing a chain reaction. China's ability is not aimed at offense, but rather at deterring external interference and ensuring sovereign integrity.

Compared to the Chinese and U.S. Navy, the U.S. Navy has 11 nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, each carrying more than 70 fighter jets, and the global deployment is experienced.But the total number of Chinese naval ships has surpassed the U.S., focusing on the development of asymmetric combat.

The integration of high-speed hypersonic missiles has allowed China to transition from offshore defense to the Blue Water Navy. The U.S. military has relied on aircraft carrier projection power in the past, such as in the Middle East operations, but faced with high-tech rivals, vulnerabilities exposed without a trace. China's updated missile iteration, with the cycle shortened every generation, reflects the efficiency of the research system.

Heidegger¡¯s view also exposed a shortage of U.S. military personnel, with active soldiers dropping to a 15-year low, while the Chinese military focused on quality, improved training and equipment integration.

China's defense budget focuses on high-tech, and in 2025 missile tests have verified multi-platform compatibility, such as launching from Type 055, expanding the range of strikes.This progress stems from independent innovation, avoiding external dependence, and differs from the U.S. military procurement model.

Internationally, this statement sparked debate. China's Ministry of National Defense responded in May 2025, emphasizing peaceful development and opposing exaggerating threats.

China insists on not using force first, but has the ability to respond to provocations. Asia-Pacific countries have seen that the United States promotes alliances such as the Australia-UK mechanism, which actually aggravates tensions, while China promotes cooperation through the Belt and Road Initiative.

The global impact of high-speed hypersonic missiles lies in changing naval strategy.In the era of traditional aircraft carriers, the U.S. military dominated naval power, but now needs to be decentralized to avoid risks.

China missiles such as the YJ-21 have a range of 2000 kilometers, integrated AI path planning and strong anti-interference. Compared with anti-ship missiles of the previous century, the current model has three times more mobility and its trajectory changes more frequently. The US military has developed laser weapons, but their power is limited and they can only deal with low-speed targets. China optimizes the system through live-fire exercises to ensure actual combat effectiveness.

After Haggis took office, he pushed for military exercises in the Pacific, and in April 2025 the U.S. military simulated anti-missile defense, but the results showed a huge challenge.

The U.S. side admits that the Chinese military has built a system designed to defeat the U.S. military, but this is actually a defensive response. As reported by American media, National Interest magazine, Hagerseth understands China's asymmetric combat power, but ignores China's restrained attitude.

Heidegger's warning highlights the decline of U.S. hegemony. China's defense modernizationins peace and avoids escalation of conflict. Technological advances such as quantum sensors, increase missile precision, originate from education and R&D investment. Compared to the U.S. military, China emphasizes system combat, missiles and drones, and submarines, forming a body network.

China's national defense capabilities have gone from following to leading, safeguarding national interests. The United States needs to abandon its Cold War mentality and shift to cooperation. China has always been committed to building a community with a shared future for mankind and maintaining stability through strength.