New Delhi, May 26 -- US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth firmly denied China's assertions that the Golden Dome missile defense project would militarize space. Speaking to Fox News Digital while leaving Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Hegseth said, "All we care about is protecting the homeland."

Hegseth emphasised that the Golden Dome project is aimed at safeguarding the US against emerging missile threats rather than escalating conflict.

Chinese Foreign Minister Mao Ning criticised the project this week, accusing it of having a "strong offensive nature" that violates the Outer Space Treaty's principles of peaceful use. Mao warned, "The project will heighten the risk of turning space into a war zone and creating a space arms race and shake ...