The timing of Donald Trump’s order to resume U.S. nuclear testing is significant, coming in the immediate aftermath of Russia’s test of a new nuclear-powered cruise missile, the Burevestnik.
When asked about U.S. testing, Trump confirmed he had given the order and would “test nuclear weapons like other countries do.” He then accused Russia and China of conducting their own tests “way underground.”
China’s foreign ministry flatly denied Trump’s claim, issuing a statement that Beijing “upheld a self-defence nuclear strategy” and has always “abided by its commitment to suspend nuclear testing.”
Trump first revealed the new U.S. plan in a social media post, stating he had “instructed the Department of War to start testing… on an equal basis.” He claimed he “hated” the decision but “had no choice.”
The former president also boasted of the U.S. arsenal, claiming it was the world’s largest and had been fully renovated. This escalation has sparked fears of a new arms race.