China 'seriously concerned' over US Golden Dome defence system

BEIJING (Reuters) -China is "seriously concerned" about the U.S. Golden Dome missile defence shield project and urged Washington to abandon its development，a foreign ministry spokesperson said on Wednesday.

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday he had selected a design for the $175-billion project and named a Space Force general to head the ambitious program aimed at blocking threats from China and Russia.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning, when asked about the project at a regular press conference, said it carries "strong offensive implications" and heightens the risks of the militarisation of outer space and an arms race.

"The United States, in pursuing a 'U.S.-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.

She urged Washington to abandon the development of the system as soon as possible and take actions to enhance trust among major powers.

(Reporting by Ethan Wang, Shi Bu and Liz Lee; Editing by Clarence Fernandez and Saad Sayeed)