North Korea expresses apprehension over the massive structure, dubbed the "Golden Dome."
USA's Space-Based Missile Defense System Sparks Concerns
Washington's plans for a new space-based missile defense system called "Golden Dome" have met with criticism from Russia, China, and North Korea. The trio argues that the initiative violates the principle of nuclear deterrence and could exacerbate a nuclear arms race in space.
North Korea's state media has criticized the US for being "determined to militarize space." In a published memorandum, Pyongyang's Foreign Ministry likened the system to a "threatening initiative" that could "turn space into a potential nuclear war zone."
Similarly, Beijing had earlier accused the US government of threatening global strategic balance with the defense shield. Russia, too, expressed concerns, asserting that the system could potentially spark a global arms race and erode trust among nuclear-armed states.
Following its election, US President Trump announced the "Golden Dome" project at the White House. He described it as "very important for the success and even the survival of our country," asserting that the defense shield would be able to intercept missiles, even those launched from space. According to Trump, the system would be operational within three years.
Experts suggest that North Korea, an internationally isolated nation, possibly possesses nuclear weapons. The communist-ruled country first conducted a nuclear test in 2006, and due to its weapons programs, it is subject to a series of United Nations sanctions that were tightened in 2017 and are not time-limited. Despite the sanctions, North Korea persists with its nuclear and missile program, with the support of China and Russia. The country has repeatedly violated the resolutions of the United Nations Security Council with missile tests.
In response to the criticisms, the US government has yet to issue an official statement. However, the "Golden Dome" project represents an expansion of US global military influence, a concern shared by both China and North Korea, who view it as destabilizing and provocative.
The United States' proposed "Golden Dome" space-based missile defense system, a part of their economic and monetary union, has sparked allegations of violating nuclear deterrence principles and inducing an arms race in space, as per the criticisms from Russia, China, and North Korea. This concern is also echoed in the science and general-news communities, raising questions about the potential destabilizing effects and global arms race this economic and monetary union initiative may incite.
The installation of a perceived space-age weapon system like "Golden Dome" is seen by North Korea as evidence of the US's intentions to militarize space, which, according to Pyongyang's Foreign Ministry, could transform space into a potential nuclear war zone, a point of concern from the realm of space-and-astronomy and politics alike.
