Fears of a new arms race are growing after Donald Trump ordered the U.S. to resume nuclear testing, citing alleged violations by Russia and China. The move has created deep confusion about U.S. intentions and prompted a forceful denial from Beijing.
The directive, which Trump claims is a response to secret foreign tests, has unclear implications for the U.S. moratorium on nuclear explosions. It is not known if Trump’s social media post refers to simulations or a physical blast.
Trump’s justification is that the U.S. is not on a level playing field. “Russia’s testing, and China’s testing,” he said in an interview, adding that these tests were “way underground” and hidden from view.
China’s foreign ministry swiftly refuted the claim. A spokesperson stated that Beijing is a “responsible nuclear-weapons state” and has always “abided by its commitment to suspend nuclear testing.”
The order comes shortly after Russia tested a new nuclear-powered cruise missile. Trump, in turn, has recently touted the strength of the U.S. arsenal, claiming it is the world’s largest.