China is developing space capabilities and next-generation fighter jets at a rapid rate, while also increasing its global footprint with military facilities and partnerships beyond the Indo-Pacific region, making U.S. force innovation more urgent, officials said Monday.

“The China challenge is not just a challenge for INDOPACOM,” Lt. Gen. Max Pearson , the Air Force’s deputy chief of staff for intelligence, said during a panel discussion at AFA’s Air, Space, and Cyber conference. “In addition to the support base in Djibouti … the PLA continues to pursue military installations, [cooperative agreements] and partnerships in a lot of places. I mean, we're seeing this across Asia, in the Middle East , Africa, across the Pacific. And we're seeing the PLA partnering with others: st

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