China just sent a warning to Donald Trump after he shared his latest defense idea, a massive space-based missile system called the “Golden Dome.”
Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump said he wants to move fast on this new project, which would be the first time the U.S. puts weapons directly into space.
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He said the system is supposed to block missiles, even the ones that might come from space itself.
Trump says weapons are heading into orbit soon
Trump explained the plan while talking to reporters at the White House. He said the U.S. needs to act quickly and start getting weapons into orbit.
According to him, this isn’t just about keeping up. It’s about getting ahead.
A top space general is running the show
The one in charge of making this happen is General Michael Guetlein.
He’s the vice chief of space operations right now and will be leading the effort. The whole thing is expected to cost around $175 billion.
The system aims to stop missiles at four points
The Pentagon’s worried about the kinds of missiles China and Russia have been working on. This new system is supposed to stop those missiles at four different points:
• Before they launch
• Right after launch
• Mid-flight
• When they’re getting close to the target
Pentagon already mapped out the pricing options
Pentagon teams have spent months working on the details.
One U.S. official said they looked at “medium, high and extra high” plans, all depending on how much money is spent. The price changes depending on things like satellites, sensors, and space-based tech.
Long-term costs could skyrocket past $500 billion
The Congressional Budget Office says just the space part of the program might end up costing about $542 billion over the next 20 years.
Trump’s asking for $25 billion right now to kick things off.
Chinese officials say this could turn space into a battlefield
After Trump’s announcement, China didn’t stay quiet. Their foreign ministry spokesperson, Mao Ning, spoke up right away.
She said this Golden Dome idea feels really aggressive and might push space closer to becoming a war zone.
Beijing warns it could spark a dangerous arms race
Mao also warned that it could spark a new arms race.
She said, “The United States, in pursuing a ‘US-first’ policy, is obsessed with seeking absolute security for itself. This violates the principle that the security of all countries should not be compromised and undermines global strategic balance and stability. China is seriously concerned about this.”
China wants the US to cancel the whole plan
China didn’t just criticize it. They asked the U.S. to walk away from the whole project completely.
Mao made it clear they don’t think this is the right direction.
US leaders say this defense system is badly needed
According to U.S. officials, though, the threat is already out there. China and Russia have space weapons that can take out important U.S. satellites.
General Chance Saltzman, who leads the U.S. Space Force, said the Golden Dome would tackle missions no military space program has ever done before.
But Air Force Secretary Troy Meink said the idea is still just a concept for now.