China Slams U.S. 'Golden Dome' Missile Defense Plan, Warns of Global Arms Race

China has issued a stern rebuke of the Trump administration’s proposed “Golden Dome” missile defense system, calling it a destabilizing move with serious global consequences. The system, aimed at shielding the United States from missile attacks, is described by Beijing as having “strong offensive implications” that could spark a dangerous arms race and contribute to the militarization of outer space. Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning expressed deep concern during a regular briefing in Beijing, accusing the U.S. of pursuing an “America-first” approach to security at the expense of international stability. “The United States, in seeking absolute security for itself, violates the principle that no nation’s security should come at the cost of others. This threatens global strategic balance,” she stated. Mao urged Washington to abandon its pursuit of the Golden Dome project immediately.

President Trump formally announced the missile defense system on May 20, 2025, alongside Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in the Oval Office. He said the system’s architecture had been finalized and an initial funding of $25 billion was included in a budget bill under congressional review. The initiative comes amid rising concerns from U.S. defense officials about evolving threats from adversaries, particularly China and Russia, who are believed to be developing advanced delivery systems to bypass current U.S. defenses.

An unclassified report by the Defense Intelligence Agency underscores that the homeland is vulnerable to intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) from China, Russia, and potentially North Korea and Iran in the near future. With this looming threat, the Trump administration views the Golden Dome as essential for national defense.

However, China and Russia view it differently. They jointly warned that the U.S. initiative could transform space into a battlefield. China alleged that the plan fuels an arms race and undermines international security frameworks, while Russia said the development would prompt a re-evaluation of Moscow’s strategic arsenal, especially in space combat capabilities.

Although the Kremlin’s latest comments labeled the Golden Dome as primarily a “sovereign matter,” both countries have made it clear they see the project as deeply provocative. The situation sets the stage for heightened geopolitical tensions over the future of space and strategic defense.