This international commentary will analyze how Russia and China responded to the U.S. announcement of a new version of the Star Wars program. On May 20th, Trump announced at the White House a "Golden Dome" missile defense plan costing $175 billion, which plans to deploy thousands of satellites to intercept missile threats against the U.S., considered a re-edition of the Star Wars program from the 1980s. Even Canada, which has recently been arguing with Trump, is considering joining in. The original Star Wars program launched by Reagan dragged the Soviet Union into a space arms race, which became one of the factors that ultimately led to the collapse of the Soviet Union. Now, Trump's launch of the Golden Dome missile defense system, this upgraded version of the Star Wars program, is it also aimed at dragging down Russia? Moreover, the U.S.' purpose targets possible missile threats from China and North Korea. However, Mr. Mu noticed an interesting situation: Russia and China have very different reactions to the U.S.' new version of the Star Wars program. On May 21st, when Kremlin spokesman Peskov was asked if this was a threat to Russia, he surprisingly said: "This is within America's sovereignty. If they believe there is a missile danger, then of course they need to develop a missile defense system." Peskov did not criticize the plan; on the contrary, he said that the details of the project are still unclear. Moreover, he mentioned that the Golden Dome missile defense system would strengthen further military exchanges between the U.S. and Russia. His exact words were: "In the foreseeable future, the progress of this matter requires resuming contacts between both sides regarding strategic stability issues." On the same day, when our foreign ministry spokesperson was asked about this issue, they openly criticized it. We accused the U.S. of violating relevant peace treaties and openly increasing outer space combat means, intensifying the risk of an arms race and undermining the international arms control system. Our accusations against the U.S. are quite serious, but the Russian side did not mention them at all. We also criticized the U.S. for being obsessed with achieving absolute security, damaging global strategic balance, and urged the U.S. to abandon the Golden Dome. However, these, Putin's secretary Peskov did not even mention; on the contrary, he said this is a sovereign right issue of the U.S. Why do Russia and China differ on this issue? Why are we brave enough to openly criticize the U.S., while Russia dares not? Mr. Mu believes that Russia, deep down, opposes this U.S. plan just as we do, so this does not represent a strategic difference between China and Russia. However, Russia's diplomacy is more flexible, and its expression is more skillful. The main reason is that Russia's current top priority is the Ukraine war. They need to win over Trump and cannot afford to make him unhappy. Let me give two examples: The day before Trump announced the "Golden Dome," Putin and Trump talked for two hours on the phone, reportedly getting along well, neither wanting to hang up first. This is an example of good interaction between the U.S. and Russia, each getting what they want. On the day Trump announced the "Golden Dome," the U.S. and Russia were still negotiating directly about exchanging prisoners. This shows that communication channels are very smooth. This is different from many issues where relations between China and the U.S. are tense. Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7507057399400808969/ Disclaimer: The article only represents the author's personal views. Please express your attitude by clicking the 'like/dislike' button below.