Can the US 'Golden Dome' intercept hypersonic missiles? Russia and China issue strong reactions

Republika.co.id, Jakarta — Russia and China have jointly condemned the United States’ plan to build a missile defence system dubbed ‘Golden Dome’, proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump. Both countries say the project could disrupt global strategic stability and trigger a new arms race.

The condemnation was issued in a joint statement released after a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping. In the document, Moscow and Beijing accused Washington of developing a globally expansive missile defence system that could alter the balance of world power.

‘The parties believe that the United States’ project ‘Golden Dome’, which aims to build an unlimited and layered global missile defence system, poses a real threat to strategic stability,’ the joint statement said, as reported by The Straits Times on Wednesday (20 May 2026).

Both countries also assessed that the project contradicts the fundamental principles of international nuclear stability because it links defensive capabilities with strategic offensive power.

‘This plan is fully at odds with the core principle of maintaining strategic stability, which requires the linkage between offensive strategic weapons and strategic defence systems,’ the statement continued.

‘The ’Golden Dome’ system is designed as an integrated missile-defence network capable of detecting and intercepting various types of missiles, including hypersonic missiles. The programme has been described as one of the priorities of Trump’s defence policy amid rising global rivalry with Russia and China.’

Besides highlighting the US missile-defence project, Russia and China also criticised the direction of Washington’s security policy, which they perceive as increasingly aggressive. They warned of the risks of growing militarisation of outer space and the threat of a new generation arms race.

Spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mao Ning, said the United States is overly focused on pursuing absolute security for its own interests.

‘The United States, by pursuing a policy of ’America First’, is obsessed with seeking absolute security for itself. This undermines balance and global strategic stability,’ Mao Ning said.