Donald Trump has alleged that China and Russia are conducting clandestine “way underground” nuclear tests, prompting him to order the U.S. to resume its own testing program. China has categorically denied the accusation, calling itself a responsible nuclear state.
The former president made the claim during a ‘60 minutes’ program, stating, “You don’t necessarily know where they’re testing.” He used this assertion to justify a U.S. policy shift, telling reporters, “We have more nuclear weapons than any other country… I think we should do something about denuclearization.”
However, Trump’s primary message was one of escalation, not disarmament. He stated he had “instructed the Department of War to start testing” in a social media post on Thursday. This post also boasted that the U.S. arsenal was completely updated during his first term.
Beijing’s foreign ministry offered a swift and firm rebuttal. It stated that China adheres to a “self-defence nuclear strategy” and has honored its pledge to suspend all nuclear tests.
Trump’s order has raised alarms about a potential new arms race and follows news of Russia testing a new nuclear-powered cruise missile. Trump also claimed to have discussed denuclearization with leaders from both Russia and China, even as he ordered a resumption of U.S. testing.