China and Russia have voiced strong objections to US President Donald Trump’s announcement of a $175-billion “Golden Dome” missile defence shield, expressing deep concerns over its implications for global strategic stability and nuclear arms control.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Beijing is “seriously concerned” about the missile defence shield, warning that it carries “strong offensive implications.”

“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,” Mao said, reported Reuters.

Beijing further urged Washington to abandon the development of the missile shield and instead take steps to build trust among major powers, cautioning that the project increases the risks of militarisation of outer space and fuels an arms race.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that President Trump’s missile shield plans could prompt the resumption of nuclear arms control talks between Moscow and Washington in the foreseeable future.