US 'Golden Dome Missile Shield: Pete Hegseth refuts China's accusations' Space Militarization' | Today news

Pete Hegseth rejected China’s allegations that the Golden Dome Missil Defense Project would militarize the space militarize and emphasize that it was only intended to protect the homeland. China condemned the project for the risk of a spatial arms race, while Russia expressed its concern, but suggested it could cause nuclear weapons talks. Pete Hegseth, US Secretary of Defense, speaks on Tuesday, May 20, 2025 in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, vs. Hegseth spoke to Fox News Digital while leaving Fort Bragg, North Carolina: “All we care about is to protect the homeland.” Hegseth emphasized that the Golden Dome project is aimed at protecting the US from emerging missile threats rather than raising conflict. China warns against militarization and arms contest, Chinese Foreign Minister Mao Ning has criticized the project this week and accused of having a ‘strong offensive nature’ that violates the principles of outer space treaty of peaceful use. Mao warned: “The project will increase the risk of turning space into a war zone and creating an ali-weapons match and shaking the international safety and arms control system.” China requested Washington to abandon the initiative to prevent the destabilization of world security. Russia expresses concerns, but the calls for talks Russia’s reaction were more measured. Sergei Ryabkov, Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister, acknowledged “serious concern”, but rejected the need for panic. A Kremlin spokeswoman noted that Golden Dome in the foreseeable future could force “discussions between Moscow and Washington on nuclear weapons control”, indicating that diplomatic involvement is about the new system. Project details and strategic goals President Donald Trump, along with Hegseth, unveiled the ambitious Golden Dome plan, and estimated that it would cost $ 175 billion and take three years to complete. The system intends to counteract advanced missile threats from China, Russia, North Korea, Iran and non-state actors. Trump has described Golden Dome as a ‘generation investment’ that is critical to his ‘America First’ defense policy. The lunch shield will include soil and space-based interceptors that can destroy missiles during all four phases of an attack- from the detection of the launch to the interception of terminal. “It’s about protecting American lives,” Trump said, noticing the expected completion of the system by the end of his term in 2029. The involvement of the private sector and financing of the most important contractors that are likely to contribute includes SpaceX, Palantir, Anduril, L3 Harris, Lockheed Martin and RTX Corp. SpaceX’s involvement is not the best, the CO, the CO CEO of the CO, the CO, the CO CEO, does not remain funding remains uncertain. Republican lawmakers have proposed an initial investment of $ 25 billion within a $ 150 billion defense package. Yet it is linked to a reconciliation bill that faces a significant opposition in Congress. Historical context and strategic implications Golden Dome relives elements of Ronald Reagan’s Strategic Defense Initiative of the Cold War (SDI), known by the name “Star Wars.” While SDI has never materialized due to technological and treaty challenges, Golden Dome wants to address new rocket threats with advanced technology. Canada considers participation in Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney confirmed the discussions with the US about joining Golden Dome, which highlights the interest of Canada in rocket defense. “Is it a good idea for Canada? Yes, it’s good to have protection for Canadians,” Carney said. He added that Canada faces potential missile threats “in the non-far future” and emphasizes that cooperation with the US will be carefully evaluated. “We work together, but not necessarily together, but not necessarily,” Carney noted, reflecting a cautious approach to the traditional near Canada-American defense partnership.