World

China Rejects Trump’s Nuclear Test Claims: What Beijing’s ‘No First Use’ Policy Really Means for Global Security

China denied Trump’s claims of secret nuclear tests, reaffirming its defensive strategy and “no first use” policy.

November 3, 2025, 10:45 AM

Black and white panoramic photograph of a massive nuclear mushroom cloud rising from an ocean surface near a palm-tree-lined beach.

A historic black and white photograph capturing a massive nuclear mushroom cloud over the ocean. By kristi kuqali / Shutterstock.com.

Executive Summary

China rejected President Trump’s allegations of secretly conducting nuclear tests.

China reaffirmed its “no first use” policy and commitment to a purely defensive nuclear strategy regarding nuclear weapons.

President Trump announced the United States would resume limited nuclear weapons testing, citing alleged tests by rival nations including China.

The Story So Far

China’s strong denial of secret nuclear tests comes after President Trump announced the United States would resume limited nuclear weapons testing, citing alleged tests by rival nations and arguing the U.S. “cannot be the only country that doesn’t test.” This move by Trump challenges China’s consistent stance, as Beijing maintains a strict “no first use” policy, a purely defensive nuclear strategy, and a commitment to suspending all nuclear testing.

Why This Matters

China’s emphatic denial of secret nuclear tests, coupled with its reaffirmation of a ‘no first use’ policy and commitment to a defensive nuclear strategy, directly challenges President Trump’s justification for the United States resuming limited nuclear weapons testing. This escalating diplomatic tension highlights growing global concerns over nuclear proliferation and arms control, potentially ushering in a new era of strategic competition among nuclear powers.

Who Thinks What?

China denies allegations of secret nuclear tests, reaffirming its “no first use” policy and commitment to a purely defensive nuclear strategy and the suspension of all nuclear testing.

President Donald Trump alleges that China and other nations have conducted secret nuclear tests, arguing that the United States must resume limited nuclear weapons testing to maintain parity.

China on Monday rejected allegations from President Donald Trump that it had secretly conducted nuclear tests, with the Foreign Ministry in Beijing reaffirming its “no first use” policy and commitment to a purely defensive nuclear strategy. The strong denial followed President Trump’s announcement last week that the United States would resume limited nuclear weapons testing, citing alleged tests by rival nations including China.

China’s Nuclear Posture

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning stated that China “has always adhered to the path of peaceful development” and maintains a strict “no first use” policy on nuclear weapons. She emphasized that Beijing’s nuclear strategy is purely defensive and reiterated the country’s commitment to suspending all nuclear testing.

Mao further stressed that China abides by its international commitments and actively contributes to global peace and security. This statement underscores China’s consistent messaging regarding its nuclear program.

Trump’s Call for Resumed Testing

President Trump’s allegations came as he announced plans for Washington to resume nuclear weapons testing after more than 30 years. He cited alleged tests by Russia, China, Pakistan, and North Korea as reasons for this decision.

Trump argued that the United States “cannot be the only country that doesn’t test” and directed the Pentagon to immediately begin preparations. His directive aims to maintain nuclear parity in response to perceived activities by other nuclear powers.

Ongoing Nuclear Tensions

The exchange highlights escalating concerns about nuclear activity among global powers, with the United States pressing for a resumption of testing and China consistently asserting its defensive nuclear stance. This diplomatic tension underscores broader geopolitical dynamics concerning nuclear proliferation and arms control.