As the U.S. advances its ambitious “Golden Dome” missile defense project, China has voiced strong concerns, warning it could lead to the militarization of space and spark a new global arms race.
The Golden Dome, a concept developed during Donald Trump’s presidency, is modeled after Israel’s Iron Dome but with a broader scope. It proposes a multi-layered defense system capable of intercepting missiles at various phases—before launch, during flight, and near impact—both terrestrially and in space.
Read more: ‘Golden Dome’ Trump Unveils Next-Generation US Missile Defense Plan
Trump has claimed the system could neutralize threats launched from anywhere, including outer space. This global reach has raised alarm bells in Beijing.
According to China’s Global Times, officials warn the initiative could “turn space into a battlefield,” breaching the Outer Space Treaty, which bans the deployment of weapons of mass destruction in space. The deployment of space-based interceptors could give the U.S. a significant strategic edge, upsetting the global military balance.
Beijing, with support from Moscow, has branded the plan as “destabilizing,” arguing it undermines international security and sets a dangerous precedent for space weaponization.
The growing friction underscores broader tensions between the U.S. and its strategic rivals, as global powers race to adapt to evolving missile and defense technologies.
