US Alarmed by China's Hypersonic Missile...Recalls 'Sputnik Shock' (Comprehensive)

Concerns Over Development of Weapons to Bypass Defense Systems
Military Joint Chiefs Chairman: "A Very Serious Incident"
"China, the Biggest Geopolitical Challenge to the US"

Mark Milley, Chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff
Photo by Reuters Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suhwan] Mark Milley, Chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, expressed great concern over China’s hypersonic missile test, describing it as approaching a "Sputnik Moment." Following reports that China successfully conducted the world’s first orbital flight of a hypersonic missile, Milley’s remarks are seen as reflecting a heightened sense of crisis regarding U.S. defense capabilities.

On the 27th (local time), Milley stated in an interview with Bloomberg Television, "What we have witnessed is a very significant event in the testing of hypersonic weapon systems," adding that China’s recent test is "very concerning."

He said, "I’m not sure if this is the Sputnik Moment, but I think it’s very close to it," and noted that "China’s test has captured everyone’s attention."

The term ‘Sputnik Moment’ originated in October 1957 when the former Soviet Union launched Sputnik 1, the world’s first artificial satellite, shocking the United States and other Western countries. This event marked the beginning of the U.S.’s active entry into the space race.

Earlier, major foreign media reported that China conducted two hypersonic missile test launches in July and August, successfully achieving orbital flight and then descending toward the target. China is the first country to successfully conduct orbital flight of a hypersonic missile.

The Chinese government denied these reports, stating that the tests were routine spacecraft tests. Until now, the U.S. government had not officially confirmed these reports.

By officially acknowledging China’s hypersonic missile test, the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman’s statement is interpreted as revealing significant vigilance toward China’s missile tests. The U.S. and Russia are also actively developing related technologies.

China’s hypersonic missiles can travel at speeds exceeding five times the speed of sound, allowing them to bypass U.S. missile defense systems. This is why military experts refer to hypersonic missiles as ‘game changers.’

In particular, it is understood that China succeeded in decelerating and descending a missile placed in a partial orbit near the target area using a retro-rocket during this test.

This partial orbital bombing system developed by China can also neutralize defense systems in areas near the Arctic, such as Alaska, where most U.S. missile defense systems are installed.

Last month, Frank Kendall, U.S. Secretary of the Air Force, expressed concern, saying, "Hypersonic missiles can bypass both missile defense systems and warning systems," and described them as "capable of bombing from space."

As concerns over China’s missile technology development grow, the U.S. Congress has requested briefings from the Pentagon regarding China’s hypersonic missile tests.

Amid suspicions that China has recently been significantly increasing its nuclear weapons stockpile, news of this hypersonic missile development has kept U.S. authorities on high alert.

In June, satellite images were released showing China constructing hundreds of ICBM (Intercontinental Ballistic Missile) silos.

Admiral Charles Richard, head of the nuclear forces at U.S. Strategic Command, warned, "China is pursuing an excessive expansion of its nuclear forces," and predicted that "it will grow to a level comparable to that of the U.S. nuclear forces before 2030."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.