North Korea Warns US 'Golden Dome' Missile Shield Could Spark Nuclear Arms Race

North Korea has issued a strong rebuke of the United States' recently announced "Golden Dome" missile shield, characterizing it as a potential catalyst for "space nuclear war." The impending defense system, touted by President Donald Trump, aims to address "next-generation" threats such as ballistic and cruise missiles. North Korea's foreign ministry decried the initiative, labeling it the epitome of "self-righteousness" and "arrogance," cautioning that it could further militarize outer space and ignite a global nuclear arms race.Pyongyang perceives its adversarial relationship with Washington as deepening, particularly with ongoing military exercises between the US and South Korea. According to Hong Min, a senior analyst at the Korea Institute for National Unification, North Korea is likely threatened by the advanced capabilities of the Golden Dome, which are seen as undermining its nuclear deterrence. “If the US finalizes this defense strategy, North Korea will have to find alternative means to bypass it,” he remarked.This year, North Korea legislated its status as a nuclear weapons state and has been active in missile testing, including a recent claim of a new intermediate-range ballistic missile with a hypersonic payload. Meanwhile, China has joined North Korea in challenging the US initiative, expressing serious concerns over its potential offensive ramifications. The Chinese foreign ministry criticized America for its "US-first" policy, arguing it jeopardizes global security and stability.Despite calls for an upgrade of US defense capabilities, experts caution that the Golden Dome's development might encounter both technical difficulties and hefty financial implications. Initial budget estimates suggest a high starting cost of $25 billion, with potential long-term expenses ballooning to 20 times that amount. As tensions rise, the effectiveness and impact of such defense strategies remain under scrutiny.