(Washington DC) – The United States’ new strategic missile defence initiative, known as the Golden Dome, has sparked sharp condemnation from Russia, China and North Korea. The three nations claim the system will upset global military balance and accelerate an arms race in space.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova described the project as destabilising and aggressive. She said the Golden Dome represents a complete rejection by Washington of the balance between offensive and defensive strategic weapons, which she claimed is a cornerstone of international security. She further warned that the Golden Dome could give the United States the ability to launch pre-emptive disarming strikes.
Zakharova raised particular concern over the system’s proposed use of a satellite network capable of detecting and intercepting intercontinental ballistic missiles during their early flight stages. According to her, this would likely spur further military developments aimed at destroying enemy missiles and the systems that launch them before they ever leave the ground. She also criticised the expansion of military assets into space, including orbital missile interception platforms, as a dangerous escalation.
China echoed Russia’s stance, with Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning urging the United States to abandon the project. She said China is seriously concerned about the plan, accusing the US of undermining strategic global stability. She added that the project would raise the chances of space becoming a battlefield and ignite a new arms race.
North Korea was equally critical. In a statement published by its Korean Central News Agency, Pyongyang accused the United States of militarising space and pushing for nuclear war under a plan for “unipolar domination.” The regime labelled the Golden Dome as part of Washington’s scenario for space-based nuclear conflict.
The development of the Golden Dome system was first announced earlier this month by US President Donald Trump. He promised the project would be completed by January 2029, as part of his wider vision for American defence superiority.
The Golden Dome, reportedly including elements like “Jackal” satellites, is viewed by critics as a revival of the controversial “Star Wars” missile defence concept from the Cold War era. While the US argues it is a deterrent against growing missile threats, opponents warn it risks destabilising already fragile diplomatic and military balances.
