U.S. President Donald Trump announced that the
United States will resume nuclear weapons testing for the first time in over
three decades claiming this step is necessary “on an equal basis” with Russia
and China. He made this declaration just ahead of a
meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Busan, South Korea. So far, Trump has not clarified whether
“testing” refers to full nuclear-explosive tests, subcritical experiments, or
enhanced missile delivery trials.
This marks a major deviation from longstanding
U.S. policy, as the U.S. has not conducted nuclear tests since 1992.
China’s
Response: Uphold the Ban
China swiftly reacted to the U.S.
announcement, calling on the United States to “earnestly abide” by its
obligations under the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) and
to maintain its commitment to the global moratorium on nuclear testing. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun
emphasized that Washington should take concrete actions to safeguard the global
nonproliferation framework, strategic balance, and stability.
Though China is also a signatory to CTBT, it
last conducted a nuclear test in 1996.
Motivations
Cited by Trump
President Trump justified his order by
pointing to perceived nuclear activity by other powers. In his social media
post, he asserted:
“Because of other countries testing programs,
I have instructed the Department of War to start testing our Nuclear Weapons on
an equal basis.”
During remarks with reporters, he said that
with other countries conducting tests, the U.S. could not remain passive. He
also noted that the U.S. has more nuclear weapons than any other country. When pressed on where the tests would be held,
Trump replied simply, “It’ll be announced. We have test sites.”
Critics quickly questioned whether Trump’s
statement conflates missile flight testing (which the U.S. routinely
does) with nuclear explosive testing, which has been largely banned
globally.
Treaty,
Legacy & Legal Landscape
The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty
(CTBT) prohibits all nuclear explosions, whether for military or civilian
purposes. However, while the U.S. signed the CTBT in 1996, it never ratified
it, so it is not legally bound by the treaty.
Other nuclear powers like Russia, China, the
UK, and France also maintain moratoria on explosive testing despite not having
ratified or, in Russia’s case, having withdrawn ratification.
Historically, full nuclear tests have posed
serious global risks triggering atmospheric and underground contamination,
geopolitical escalation, and arms races.
Strategic
Risks & Repercussions
1. Destabilizing arms race: A return
to nuclear tests could provoke reciprocal responses from rival states, raising
the specter of renewed competition in explosive testing.
2.
Undermining nonproliferation norms: Testing could weaken global faith in
the nonproliferation regime and reduce incentives for countries to abide by
arms control measures.
3.
Domestic and international backlash: U.S. lawmakers and advocacy groups
reacted swiftly. Critics warn of legal, environmental, and diplomatic
consequences.
4. Ambiguity of execution: Without
clarity on what type of test is intended, adversaries may interpret the
announcement as sign of intent to escalate.
5. Technical constraints: The U.S. nuclear test infrastructure (e.g.
Nevada test sites) has decayed over decades; restoring it could require months
to years.
The Broader
Context: Russia, China & New Weapons Tests
Trump’s announcement came amid escalating
nuclear signaling globally:
Earlier this week, Russia claimed to have
completed a test of a nuclear-powered underwater drone (Poseidon) and a
new nuclear-powered cruise missile (Burevestnik).
Trump criticized Russia’s tests, stating they
were “not appropriate” and urged Moscow to end the war in Ukraine instead of
pursuing weapons development.
The combined moves intensify concerns that
nuclear testing and weapon development are re-entering the strategic playbook.
Next Steps
& What to Watch
Will the U.S. proceed with explosive
nuclear tests, or merely expand weapons system or delivery-vehicle testing?
How do strategic rivals (Russia, China, India)
react diplomatically or via countermeasures?
Will key treaties and forums (such as the NPT,
CTBT, IAEA) be revived or undermined by this shift?
What domestic and legal challenges arise
within the U.S. regarding safety, test site reactivation, environmental
liability, and public health?
How will global allies especially in Europe and Asia respond in terms
of posture, deterrence, and diplomatic pressure?
Conclusion
President Trump’s directive to resume nuclear
testing marks a dramatic policy reversal after more than three decades. While
framed as preserving parity with Russia and China, it carries deep
implications: for arms control, strategic stability, and the future of global
nonproliferation norms. China’s appeal to uphold the testing ban underscores
how fragile the international consensus is in this arena. As the world watches
carefully, the next chapter in nuclear politics may be unfolding one where
restraint is tested more than ever.
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