The United States has expressed growing concern over China’s expanding military capabilities, with US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth warning that countries across the Indo-Pacific have a “rightful alarm” about Beijing’s military build-up. Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue security summit in Singapore on Saturday, Hegseth said Washington remains committed to maintaining stability and balance in the region while avoiding unnecessary confrontation.

Addressing defence officials, policymakers and security experts from around 45 countries, Hegseth said the United States seeks a regional order where no single nation can dominate. He stressed that Washington’s objective is to preserve a durable balance of power that safeguards the security and prosperity of both the US and its allies, while preventing any country from imposing regional hegemony.

The Pentagon chief’s remarks come amid increasing scrutiny of China’s military modernisation efforts under President Xi Jinping. In recent years, Beijing has significantly expanded its defence capabilities, including investments in advanced missile systems, naval assets and nuclear infrastructure, prompting concern among regional governments and Western allies.

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Adding to those concerns, a recent Reuters investigation reported that China is constructing an extensive network of launch pads, bunkers and communications facilities near nuclear missile silos that house some of the country's longest-range strategic weapons. Security analysts who reviewed satellite imagery said the network includes more than 80 potential launch sites for mobile missile launchers and air-defence systems, alongside infrastructure that could support electronic warfare, satellite communications and command operations.

Experts believe the scale of the construction reflects a major effort to strengthen the survivability and operational readiness of China’s land-based nuclear forces. The development is seen as part of Beijing’s broader strategy to enhance its second-strike capability, ensuring it can respond to a nuclear attack. The expansion also highlights intensifying strategic competition between China and the United States, particularly amid ongoing tensions over issues such as Taiwan’s status and regional security.

China’s nuclear programme remains one of the most closely watched aspects of its military expansion. Several foreign governments and analysts have raised concerns over the limited transparency surrounding Beijing’s nuclear capabilities and intentions. Despite repeated efforts by Washington to engage Chinese officials in discussions on strategic stability and arms control, meaningful dialogue on nuclear issues has remained limited, contributing to uncertainty about the future security landscape in the Indo-Pacific region.

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