US Secretary of Defense Pete HegSeth firmly denied the Chinese claim that the Golden Dome Missile Defense project will militarize space. HegSeth spoke to Fox News Digital when leaving Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and said, “Everything we care about is the protection of the homeland.”
HegSeth stressed that the Golden Dome project is aimed at protecting the US from the emerging threats of missiles rather than on the degree of conflict.
China warns of militarization and arms race
The Chinese Foreign Minister Mao Ning criticized the project this week and accused him of a “strong offensive nature” that violates the principles of peaceful use of the universe contracts. Mao warned: “The project will increase the risk of changing the space to the war zone and the creation of a space weapon race and shaking the international security and weapon control system.” China urged Washington to leave the initiative to prevent global security.
Russia expresses concerns but requires conversations
Russia’s reaction was more measured. Sergei Ryabkov, a Russian representative of Foreign Minister, acknowledged “serious concern”, but refused the need for panic. The Kremlin’s spokesman noted that Golden Dome could “in the foreseeable future” to force interviews between Moscow and Washington about the control of nuclear weapons “, suggesting diplomatic involvement in the new system.
Project details and strategic objectives
President Donald Trump and Hegset revealed an ambitious Plan Golden Dome, estimated to cost $ 175 billion and finish three years. The system intends to face advanced threats of missiles from China, Russia, North Korea, Iran and non -state actors.
Trump described Golden Dome as a “generation investment” critical to his defensive policy “America First”. The multilayer shield will include ground and cosmic interceptors capable of destroying missiles in all four stages of attack- from the start of the start to the terminal.
“It is about protecting American lives,” Trump said, noticing the expected completion of the system by the end of his term of office in 2029.
Involvement of private sector and challenge of financing
The key suppliers who are likely to contribute include SpaceX, Palantir, Anduril, L3Harris, Lockheed Martin and RTX Corp. SpaceX is remarkable due to the close ties of Elon Musk’s CEO on Trump.
However, financing remains uncertain. Republican legislators proposed an initial investment of $ 25 billion in a wider defense package of $ 150 billion. Nevertheless, it is tied to the reconciliation law that faces significant opposition in Congress.
Historical context and strategic consequences
Golden Dome revives elements of the Strategic Defense initiative in the Cold War Ronald Reagan (SDI), a great dubbed “Star Wars”. While SDI has never happened because of technological and contractual challenges, Golden Dome is trying to solve new missile threats with advanced technology.
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Canada is considering participation
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney confirmed the discussion with the US to join Golden Dome and emphasized Canada’s interest in missile defense. “Is it a good idea for Canada? Yes, it is good to have an established protection for Canadians,” Carney said.
He added that Canada faces potential threats of missiles “in a not too far future” and stressed that cooperation with the US will be carefully evaluated. “We cooperate if necessary, but we do not necessarily cooperate,” Carney said, reflecting a cautious approach to a traditionally close partnership in defense of Canada and the USA.
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