In a pointed response to the US initiative, North Korea claims the “Golden Dome” could provoke conflict and exacerbate existing geopolitical tensions.
North Korea Condemns US 'Golden Dome' Missile Defense as Threatening Global Security
North Korea Condemns US 'Golden Dome' Missile Defense as Threatening Global Security
North Korea warns that the US's proposed missile defense system could ignite an arms race in space and escalate nuclear tensions.
North Korea has issued a robust denunciation of the United States' plans to establish the "Golden Dome" missile defense system, which is intended to address emerging aerial threats, including those posed by ballistic and cruise missiles. The North Korean government labeled the initiative as a dangerous move that could "turn outer space into a potential nuclear war field," reflecting concerns over its possible destabilizing effects on global security.
The proposed defense system—set to be revealed by President Donald Trump before the end of his term—has been characterized by Pyongyang as "self-righteousness [and] arrogance," according to state-run media. North Korea accused the US of a determined effort to militarize space, warning that such actions could instigate a "global nuclear and space arms race".
Experts suggest that North Korea perceives the Golden Dome as a direct threat, one that could potentially dilute the effectiveness of its nuclear capabilities. Hong Min, a senior analyst at the Korea Institute for National Unification, explained that if the United States successfully implements this new defense system, it would necessitate that North Korea explores alternative strategies to counter it. The North Korean regime, which declared its status as a nuclear weapons state in 2022, has been actively developing ballistic and cruise missiles in recent years.
Alongside North Korea, China has also voiced concerns regarding the US missile defense initiative. Beijing recently expressed that it has "serious concerns" over the implications of the Golden Dome, which it claimed carries significant offensive potential. According to China's foreign ministry, the US's pursuit of "absolute security" undermines the broader principle of ensuring security for all nations and could disrupt the balance and stability of global strategic power.
While many analysts advocate for an upgrade of the current US missile defense systems, they caution that the Golden Dome project may encounter both technical and political hurdles. The initiative is projected to incur substantial costs, with an initial budget allocation of $25 billion set aside in a new fiscal plan, although estimates indicate that total expenses over the years could surge to as much as $500 billion.
