GYEONGJU, South Korea — President Donald Trump recently announced plans to restart nuclear weapons testing. He stated that this decision was made in response to other countries, particularly Russia and China, advancing their own programs.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said, “Because of other countries testing programs, I have instructed the Department of War to start testing our Nuclear Weapons on an equal basis.” This move comes ahead of his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
The U.S. has not conducted nuclear explosive testing since 1992 but can do so at the Nevada National Security Site if needed. During his first term, Trump aimed to significantly boost the U.S. nuclear arsenal, indicating a strong stance on military enhancement.
Russia has recently conducted tests for a new long-range underwater weapon and has launched a nuclear-capable missile. Trump highlighted that he believes the U.S. needs to match these advancements to maintain balance in global military power. He remarked, “Russia is second, and China is a distant third, but will be even within 5 years.”
Interestingly, many experts believe that displaying military strength, as Trump suggests, does not always lead to peace. Research in international relations often indicates that dialogue and diplomacy can be more effective than displays of force.
Trump’s approach reflects a broader trend of increasing military expenditures observed globally. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, global military spending reached an estimated $2 trillion in 2021, a figure that continues to grow amidst rising geopolitical tensions.
As Trump travels through Asia, he emphasizes the need for U.S. strength, both economically and militarily. This strategy, he argues, sends a message to other nations about America’s readiness to defend its interests.
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