The Voice News | BEIJING — China has expressed “grave concern” over U.S. President Donald Trump’s ambitious plan to construct a global missile defense shield known as the “Golden Dome,” warning that the multibillion-dollar project could destabilize international security and trigger a new arms race—especially in outer space.
Speaking at a press conference in Beijing on Wednesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning condemned the proposal, which would see the U.S. spend $175 billion over the next three years to build a missile interception network capable of neutralizing threats from land, sea, air—and even space.
“The U.S., by putting itself first and pursuing absolute security, risks undermining the global strategic balance,” Mao said. “The development of the Golden Dome missile system would only exacerbate the militarization of outer space and disrupt the international arms control architecture.”Trump’s Vision for a Space-Based Defense Shield
President Trump unveiled the Golden Dome initiative Tuesday during a press briefing alongside Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, hailing it as “the most advanced missile defense system ever built.” The system, he claimed, will be integrated with existing defense platforms and fully operational before the end of his term in 2029.
“Once constructed, Golden Dome will intercept threats from anywhere in the world—even from space,” Trump declared. “This will ensure America’s dominance in missile defense for decades to come.”The ambitious defense project will be led by Vice Chief of Space Operations Gen. Michael Guetlein and will involve major infrastructure and operations in Alaska, Florida, Georgia, and Indiana. The Canadian government is also expected to participate in the development and implementation of the system.
Global Backlash and Strategic Implications
Beijing’s concerns reflect growing unease among global powers about the militarization of space and the erosion of arms control treaties. China warned that the Golden Dome project could set off an arms race in space, echoing fears raised by several arms control experts and disarmament advocates.
“We urge the United States to abandon the development and deployment of a global missile shield,” Mao continued. “Only through mutual trust and restraint can countries ensure global strategic stability.”The announcement comes at a time of heightened U.S.-China tensions, particularly over issues ranging from Taiwan and trade to military activity in the Indo-Pacific and cyber warfare. Analysts say China views the Golden Dome as a direct threat to its second-strike capabilities, potentially disrupting the strategic deterrence balance among nuclear powers.
An Echo of ‘Star Wars’?
Some critics have likened Trump’s Golden Dome vision to the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI)—popularly known as “Star Wars”—introduced by President Ronald Reagan in the 1980s. That Cold War-era plan aimed to create a space-based shield against Soviet missiles but was never fully realized due to technological and budgetary constraints.
Unlike SDI, however, Trump’s plan leverages recent advances in hypersonic tracking, artificial intelligence, quantum sensors, and satellite-based missile interception systems—many of which are already in experimental stages within the U.S. Space Force.
Looking Ahead
Despite international criticism, the Trump administration remains firm on moving forward with the Golden Dome project, framing it as essential to countering threats from nations such as North Korea, Iran, Russia, and China. The next phase of development is expected to begin later this year, with preliminary defense contracts already being negotiated.
Meanwhile, diplomatic observers are closely watching whether other space-faring nations, particularly China and Russia, will respond with new defense initiatives or increased militarization of their own satellite and missile programs.