Nuclear tensions are on the rise after Donald Trump ordered a resumption of U.S. testing based on “secret test” claims, which China has denied. The U.S. order itself is dangerously vague, adding to the confusion.
Trump’s justification is his claim that Russia and China are conducting tests “way underground.” He used this to underpin his social media directive to “start testing.”
The directive is the source of confusion, as it’s unclear if it means simulations or a physical blast. The U.S. has not physically tested a nuclear weapon since 1992.
China’s foreign ministry swiftly refuted the claim. A spokesperson stated that Beijing is a “responsible nuclear-weapons state” and has “abided by its commitment to suspend nuclear testing.”
This incident, following a Russian missile test and Trump’s boasts about the U.S. arsenal, has escalated fears of a renewed arms race.