On May 21, 2023, in a press conference, a spokesperson for China’s foreign ministry, Mao Ning, voiced serious concerns regarding the United States' ambitious Golden Dome missile defense shield project. This project, which involves an investment of approximately $175 billion, aims to create a missile defense system capable of intercepting threats from both China and Russia.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that he had finalized the design for the Golden Dome project. He also appointed a general from the newly established Space Force to lead this significant military initiative. The primary goal of the Golden Dome missile defense system is to enhance national security by blocking potential threats, a move that has been met with apprehension from China.
Mao Ning emphasized that the development of the Golden Dome program carries substantial offensive implications. She warned that it could escalate the militarization of outer space and trigger an arms race between major global powers. According to Mao, the United States is pursuing a 'U.S.-first' policy that prioritizes its own security at the expense of international stability, thereby compromising the security of all nations.
In her statements, Mao urged Washington to halt the development of the missile defense system promptly. She advocated for actions that would foster trust among the world’s major powers, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach to global security. This, she argued, is crucial in maintaining global strategic balance and ensuring long-term stability.
As the situation unfolds, the international community awaits further developments regarding the U.S. Golden Dome missile defense project and its implications for global security dynamics. China’s concerns reflect a broader anxiety about the increasing militarization of space and the potential for escalating tensions between the world’s superpowers.