Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the Pentagon will begin a broad review of how the United States approaches China, signaling a reassessment of military planning amid rising concern in Washington over Beijing’s growing capabilities and regional reach.

According to the announcement, the review will examine whether current U.S. defense priorities match the challenge posed by China’s modernization of its armed forces and its expanding influence across the Indo-Pacific. The move reflects a wider debate inside the U.S. government over how to balance deterrence, readiness and resources.

The planned review comes as tensions between Washington and Beijing remain high over issues including military activity in the region, technology competition and security ties with U.S. allies. Any shift in strategy could affect force posture, procurement and alliance coordination in the years ahead.

The Pentagon did not immediately provide a detailed timeline for the review or specify which parts of the defense structure would be examined first.