President Donald Trump has made explosive allegations against geopolitical rivals, claiming both Russia and China are actively “testing” nuclear weapons secretly. Speaking on the ‘60 minutes’ program, Trump insisted the U.S. would do the same in response.
“Russia’s testing, and China’s testing, but they don’t talk about it,” the former U.S. President claimed. He also included North Korea and Pakistan in his list of nations allegedly conducting such tests. This claim comes despite the fact that no country other than North Korea is known to have conducted a nuclear detonation in decades.
China’s foreign ministry immediately refuted the claims, labeling itself a “responsible nuclear-weapons state.” Beijing’s statement reinforced its commitment to a “self-defence nuclear strategy” and its long-standing adherence to the suspension of nuclear testing.
Trump’s order to resume U.S. testing was first revealed in a social media post minutes before a meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in South Korea. He stated he had “instructed the Department of War to start testing,” citing the alleged “testing programs” of other nations as justification.
This directive has sparked confusion over whether the U.S. intends to conduct its first nuclear explosion since 1992. Trump’s order also follows recent reports of Russia testing its new nuclear-powered cruise missile, Burevestnik, and a nuclear-capable underwater drone.