China has issued a stern warning to Donald Trump over his proposed \$175 billion ‘Golden Dome’ space-based missile defense system.
Trump unveils bold new missile defense strategy
President Donald Trump has revealed plans for a groundbreaking missile defense initiative called the “Golden Dome.”
The system would place advanced U.S. weapons in outer space.
Speaking from the White House on Tuesday, May 20, Trump described the new system as a top national defense priority.
He promised swift action along with a significant financial commitment.
The goal of the Golden Dome is to intercept and neutralize missile threats at every phase of their trajectory, even those launched from space.
Trump emphasized that the initiative would differ from any defense system developed before.
He said it marks a major shift toward space-based military operations.
Massive budget and key leadership in place
The projected cost of the Golden Dome program is a staggering $175 billion.
General Michael Guetlein, the current vice chief of space operations, will oversee its development.
Trump has requested an initial $25 billion to begin building out the framework of the program.
The system is designed to detect and intercept threats across four key stages: prior to launch, early flight, mid-course, and final approach.
This multi-layered detection system is intended to neutralize missiles well before they reach U.S. territory or allies.
Pentagon planners have been evaluating several tiers of technology solutions.
Planners categorize these as medium, high, and extra high based on their complexity and cost.
China warns Trump over ambitious $175B ‘Golden Dome’ missile defence programme
China quickly responded to Trump’s announcement with sharp criticism.
At a press briefing, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning warned that the Golden Dome plan signals a dangerous move toward the militarization of space.
Mao claimed the initiative holds “strong offensive implications” and could trigger a new global arms race.
The spokesperson said: “The United States, in pursuing a ‘US-first’ policy, is obsessed with seeking absolute security for itself.
The United States violates the principle that it should not compromise the security of all countries and undermines global strategic balance and stability. China is seriously concerned about this.”
She urged Washington to reconsider its approach and abandon the Golden Dome project.
Security experts justify the push for space weapons
U.S. defense officials argue the Golden Dome is necessary to counter increasing threats from China and Russia.
Both countries have deployed offensive space-based systems.
These include satellites capable of interfering with or destroying key American infrastructure in orbit.
General Chance Saltzman, U.S. Space Force head, calls the project essential to address unprecedented military threats.
“This isn’t just an upgrade—it’s a brand-new mission profile for national defense,” Saltzman said.
While the initiative remains in the conceptual phase, Air Force Secretary Troy Meink has confirmed that early planning is well underway.
Military engineers and strategists are analyzing technologies and defense structures for the Golden Dome’s backbone.
Concerns mount over cost and international fallout
Despite its ambitious scope, the Golden Dome project faces skepticism from budget analysts and foreign policy experts.
The Congressional Budget Office has warned that space-based components alone may cost upwards of $542 billion over the next two decades.
Critics also argue that an aggressive push into space defense could alienate U.S. allies and provoke adversaries.
Nevertheless, Trump remains committed to the plan, calling it “America’s next shield against the most dangerous weapons of the future.”