President Donald Trump has ordered the United States military to immediately resume nuclear weapons testing, marking the first time in 33 years that such testing has been directed. The announcement came just minutes before Trump was set to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Busan, South Korea, for critical trade negotiations.
Trump made this surprising declaration on his social media platform, Truth Social, while traveling aboard the Marine One helicopter. He stated he was instructing the Pentagon to test the nuclear arsenal on an “equal basis” with other nuclear powers. In his post, he emphasized, “Because of other countries’ testing programs, I have instructed the Department of War to start testing our Nuclear Weapons on an equal basis. That process will begin immediately.”
The exact nature of the tests Trump referred to remains unclear. It is uncertain whether he meant nuclear-explosive testing, which would involve the National Nuclear Safety Administration, or flight testing of nuclear-capable missiles.
Context of the Decision
This decision comes in light of China’s significant expansion of its nuclear arsenal in recent years. According to the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), China has more than doubled its nuclear stockpile, estimating that it will possess around 600 nuclear weapons by 2025, up from approximately 300 in 2020. Military officials predict the number will exceed 1,000 by 2030. Recent military parades in China showcased multiple nuclear capabilities aimed at the continental United States.
The timing of Trump’s announcement also coincides with Russia’s recent claims of successfully testing a nuclear-powered cruise missile and a nuclear-powered torpedo. These developments have raised concerns among US officials. Earlier in the week, Trump criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin, stating he should focus on ending the conflict in Ukraine rather than conducting missile tests.
Trump’s announcement has drawn attention to the shifting dynamics of global nuclear strategy, particularly as the United States seeks to maintain its position in the face of expanding arsenals from both China and Russia.
The implications of resuming nuclear testing are significant, and reactions from global leaders, especially during this critical meeting with Xi, will be closely monitored. Whether this decision influences trade negotiations or escalates tensions between the US and its rivals remains to be seen.
As the discussions unfold in Busan, the international community will be watching closely, aware that the stakes have dramatically increased in the realm of global security.
