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Nuclear testing

Trump Threatens to Resume Nuclear Testing, Citing China and Russia's Buildups

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

In the midst of a diplomatic tour, President Trump took to social media to announce plans to resume nuclear testing, claiming it was necessary in response to China and Russia's expanding nuclear arsenals. Just minutes before a scheduled meeting with President Xi Jinping of China, Trump threatened to resume testing, stating that the process would begin immediately. This move comes after President Vladimir Putin of Russia revealed plans to test a new cruise missile and nuclear torpedo, although he did not indicate any intention to detonate nuclear weapons.

Key Takeaways:

  • The president's threat to resume nuclear testing is a response to China and Russia's growing nuclear capabilities, with China building up its arsenal and Russia developing new delivery vehicles.
  • Trump's comment, "on an equal basis," suggests that the United States may show off its military capabilities rather than conduct actual nuclear testing.
  • China has not tested a nuclear weapon since 1996, and Russia has not conducted a confirmed test since 1990, raising questions about the nature of Trump's threat.
  • The announcement comes after a series of escalations, including Putin's reveal of the cruise missile and nuclear torpedo plans.
  • The diplomatic tour, which includes meetings with Xi Jinping and likely others, takes place against the backdrop of increased tensions between the US and China.
  • The plans to resume nuclear testing have sparked concerns about the risks of nuclear proliferation and the potential for an arms race.

Statistics:

  • 33 years: the amount of time since the United States last conducted nuclear testing.
  • 1996: the last year China tested a nuclear weapon.
  • 1990: the last confirmed year Russia conducted a nuclear test.
  • 2014: the year an unarmed AGM-86B Air-Launched Cruise Missile was released from a B-52H Stratofortress over the Utah Test and Training Range during a nuclear weapons system evaluation program.

Sources:

  • The New York Times
  • Reuters

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