The Chinese government has expressed strong opposition to US President Donald Trump’s proposed “Golden Dome” missile defence system, which is designed to protect the US from missile attacks, including those launched from space. With a projected budget of $US175 billion (approximately $276 billion), the proposal was announced recently in the Oval Office, accompanied by a visual representation of the continental US marked in gold, illustrating missile interceptions.
Trump claimed that the system would be capable of intercepting various missile types. However, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning argued that this initiative could lead to an arms race in outer space and contravene existing international treaties. She noted that the expansion of the US’s military capabilities in space, including research, development, and deployment of interception systems, has offensive implications that contravene the spirit of the Outer Space Treaty, which advocates for the peaceful use of outer space.
Mao expressed deep concern regarding the potential for the Golden Dome project to transform space into a battleground, thereby undermining international security and arms control frameworks. She urged the US to reconsider and abandon the project.
The Pentagon has previously raised alarms about China and Russia developing advanced missile systems that necessitate updated defensive measures. The Golden Dome’s strategy, incorporating additional satellites and interceptors, focuses on countering these technologically sophisticated threats at early or mid-flight stages.
Moreover, it has been highlighted that both China and Russia have already engaged in deploying weapons capable of disabling critical American satellites, a move that could greatly compromise the US’s defensive posture. Additionally, last year, allegations surfaced regarding Russia’s development of a space-based nuclear weapon designed to linger in space before targeting American satellites.
Trump has indicated that he has not yet discussed the Golden Dome initiative with Russian President Vladimir Putin but anticipates doing so in due course.
Overall, the US’s advancement in missile defence has significant implications for global security and the strategic landscape, particularly concerning superpower relations, as expressed in the vigorous Chinese response to the proposed system.