Executive Summary
The Story So Far
Why This Matters
Who Thinks What?
China has urged the United States to uphold its commitments under the nuclear-test-ban treaty and maintain the global moratorium on nuclear testing, following President Donald Trump’s order for the US military to immediately resume nuclear weapons testing. The directive, issued minutes before President Trump was set to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping, marks a significant shift in US nuclear policy after a 33-year hiatus in explosive testing.
China’s Official Stance
In a statement released on Thursday, China’s Foreign Ministry called on the United States to “earnestly abide” by the global nuclear testing ban. Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun emphasized the importance of safeguarding the global nuclear disarmament and nonproliferation system, as well as maintaining strategic balance and stability worldwide.
Guo Jiakun stated, “China hopes the United States will earnestly abide by the obligations of the comprehensive nuclear-test-ban treaty and its commitment to a ban on nuclear testing, and take concrete actions to safeguard the global nuclear disarmament and nonproliferation system and safeguard global strategic balance and stability.”
President Trump’s Directive
President Trump announced his decision on Truth Social while en route to a trade negotiating session with President Xi in Busan, South Korea. He declared that he was instructing the Pentagon to test the US nuclear arsenal on an “equal basis” with other nuclear powers.
“Because of other countries’ testing programs, I have instructed the Department of War to start testing our Nuclear Weapons on an equal basis. That process will begin immediately,” President Trump posted. He further claimed that “Russia is second, and China is a distant third, but will be even within 5 years.”
Later, during his return to Washington, President Trump reiterated the necessity of testing to ensure the US keeps pace with rival nuclear powers. He added that specific nuclear test sites would be determined at a later date, and while dismissing the immediate threat of a more risky nuclear phase, he welcomed the long-term goal of denuclearization.
Historical Context and Global Implications
The United States has not conducted an explosive nuclear test in 33 years, and no nuclear power, other than North Korea, has carried out such tests in more than 25 years. This directive from President Trump represents a potential departure from a long-standing international norm against explosive nuclear testing.
The move comes amidst ongoing discussions between the US and Russia regarding nuclear arms, with President Trump suggesting China could be included in future talks. China’s swift response underscores concerns about the potential impact on global arms control frameworks and strategic stability.
