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Nuclear testing

Trump Orders Restart of Nuclear Testing in the US

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

US President Donald Trump has announced plans to resume nuclear testing in the United States, citing concerns over Russia and China's nuclear ambitions. In an interview with CBS' 60 minutes, Trump stated that the US has enough nuclear weapons to "blow up" dozens of countries and that he wants to be on an "equal basis" with other nations. Hours before his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Trump ordered the Department of Defence to start nuclear testing "immediately".

Key Takeaways:

  • Trump believes that the US needs to restart nuclear testing to be on an "equal basis" with other nations, citing Russia and China's nuclear ambitions.
  • The last time the US conducted a nuclear test was in September 1992 as part of 'Operation Julin', which was a group of seven nuclear tests.
  • The Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) bans all nuclear explosions for both civilian and military purposes, but has only been ratified and enforced by 178 countries.
  • The US is a signatory of the CTBT but has not ratified it.
  • Trump's announcement has been met with skepticism on Capitol Hill, with Vice Admiral Richard Correll stating that both China and Russia have not been conducting explosive nuclear tests.
  • The Republican leader believes that the US should prioritize denuclearization and discussed this with both President Putin and President Xi.
  • Trump's decision comes after Russia announced plans to test its powerful "unlimited range" nuclear missile, the Burevestnik.

Statistics:

  • The US has enough nuclear weapons to "blow up" the world 150 times, according to Trump.
  • Russia has a significant nuclear arsenal, and China is also expanding its nuclear capabilities.
  • The Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty has been signed by 187 countries, including China, India, Pakistan, North Korea, Israel, and Russia.
  • The treaty has been ratified and enforced by 178 countries.

Sources:

  • "US President orders restart of nuclear testing" - Hindustan Times
  • "Operation Julin" - National Nuclear Security Administration
  • "Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty" - United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs
  • Testimony of Vice Admiral Richard Correll on Capitol Hill - Congressional Record
  • "Donald Trump on nuclear testing: 'We can't be the only country that doesn't test'" - The Guardian

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