'Golden Dome' a threat to global security, experts say

Experts warn that the US plan to build the "Golden Dome" missile defense shield could escalate the weaponization of outer space and destabilize global security, while doubts persist over the project's feasibility.

US President Donald Trump unveiled a $175 billion missile defense system dubbed the "Golden Dome" on Tuesday, describing it as a "Manhattan Project-scale" initiative. He appointed US Space Force General Michael Guetlein to lead the program, which is designed to create a comprehensive network of satellites capable of detecting, tracking and intercepting incoming missiles.

During the Oval Office announcement, Trump revealed that the project would be completed within three years and protect the entire continental United States, including Canada, from aerial threats. Trump touted the system would be "capable of intercepting missiles even if they are launched from other sides of the world and even if they are launched from space".

Despite the bold claims, the feasibility of completing the project within three years is questioned by experts.

Sun Xihui, an associate research fellow at the National Institute of International Strategy, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, noted that the "Golden Dome" missile defense system, from R&D to deployment, demands massive technological and financial resources. "Yet with rising US federal debt and domestic manufacturing moving overseas, the US cannot complete this project alone, despite its advanced technology industries," he said.

"Significant cooperation from other countries is essential but difficult to achieve quickly. Whether through its own investment or allied cooperation, building (the) 'Golden Dome' will require heavy financial and material investment, which may be unaffordable given the current US economic and fiscal situation," he pointed out.

Recent economic indicators underscore the challenge. Moody's Ratings recently slashed US long-term issuer and senior unsecured ratings to Aa1, citing rising government debt and interest payment ratios. According to data from the US Treasury Department in April, the US federal budget deficit for the first half of fiscal year 2025 has already exceeded $1.3 trillion, the second-highest on record.

Despite the questionable feasibility, experts fear the "Golden Dome" plan will extend Cold War mentality and confrontational thinking into space — affecting international technological cooperation in the space domain and undermining global stability.

Sun said the underlying rationale behind the US plan to build the "Golden Dome" missile shield is rooted in the pursuit of security through strength, ensuring absolute security.

Creating tech gap

Diao Daming, a professor of US studies at Renmin University of China's School of International Relations, said the move of the US is aimed at creating a significant technological gap in military weaponry compared to other countries, thereby reinforcing its so-called leading position. "By fabricating external imaginary threats to justify upgrading its defense systems, this approach undoubtedly carries a Cold War mentality."

"Since the 21st century, the US has treated space, cyberspace and the deep sea as new military frontiers," Diao said. "The 'Golden Dome' initiative indicates that the US is to expand its space presence. In doing so, the US will likely exaggerate the so-called threats it faces, or that the world faces, in the space domain."

"While these claims are unfounded, the threat narrative of the US and Cold War mentality will extend to space, potentially affecting international cooperation and joint technological development in this field. This is clearly detrimental to global stability," he said.

Sun added that the US use of space to develop and promote military deployments is undoubtedly an act of militarizing and weaponizing space. "This will not only have a huge impact on current international relations, but also affect global peace, stability, and security, and even space security," he said.

On Wednesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said China urged the US to give up developing and deploying a global antimissile system as soon as possible and take concrete actions to enhance strategic trust between major countries and uphold global strategic stability.

Mao added that such a move violates the principle of "undiminished security for all".

Xinhua contributed to this story.