US plans to build a new missile defence system would raise the risk of an arms race and could “turn outer space into a battlefield”, Beijing has warned, describing Washington as being “obsessed with pursuing absolute security”.
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Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said the “Golden Dome” missile defence system proposed by US President Donald Trump would entail a “significant increase in outer space combat means”, including research and development and the deployment of orbital interception systems.
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Trump unveils Golden Dome defence system to counter Russian, Chinese missile threats
Trump unveils Golden Dome defence system to counter Russian, Chinese missile threats
“This highly offensive system violates the principle of peaceful use of outer space. It will exacerbate the risks of turning outer space into a battlefield and starting an arms race, and shake the international security and arms control system,” she said on Wednesday.
“The United States, by putting itself first and being obsessed with pursuing absolute security, violates the principle of undiminished security of all countries and undermines global strategic balance and stability.”
Mao’s comments came a day after Trump laid out fresh details of his plan for the US$175 billion Golden Dome programme, a system proposed to protect the US from foreign attacks, including from China and Russia.
Trump said on Tuesday that he had selected a design for the shield and named a US Space Force general to lead the programme, saying the Golden Dome would “protect our homeland”.