When Chinese President Xi Jinping referred to “twists and turns” in his relationship with Donald Trump, he likely didn’t anticipate the unexpected twist that unfolded just before their summit.
While flying on Marine One, Trump sent out a message directing the Pentagon to resume nuclear testing after a lengthy pause of 33 years, citing concerns about the capabilities of other nations, including China. “That process will begin immediately,” he announced on social media.
This sudden directive surprised many within Trump’s own administration. It raised questions about when—if ever—such testing would actually occur. Historically, the Department of Energy handles U.S. nuclear stockpile tests, often relying on computer simulations. Real-life tests have been rare and are usually avoided.
Hours later, it became clear that the Pentagon was not in a rush to act on Trump’s order. During a testimony on Capitol Hill, a senior military officer overseeing U.S. nuclear arsenal seemed unaware of the urgency suggested by Trump’s social media post, indicating it hadn’t been discussed widely within the military.
This incident highlights the erratic approach Trump has toward foreign policy. Even as he prepared for talks with Xi aimed at stabilizing U.S.-China relations, he demonstrated a knack for abrupt decisions. In fact, Vice President JD Vance noted, “We have a big arsenal. Sometimes you’ve got to test it to ensure it’s functioning properly.”
What’s interesting is that the last nuclear test conducted by the U.S. was back in 1992. Trump’s approach contrasts sharply with that of China and Russia, which haven’t performed nuclear explosive tests for decades. While China has rapidly expanded its arsenal, its last known explosive test was almost 30 years ago in 1996.
Former U.S. undersecretary of defense Elbridge Colby remarked that “Russia is modernizing its nuclear forces at a breathtaking speed,” and consistent updates to U.S. capabilities are crucial. However, resuming nuclear tests could have unintended consequences, possibly encouraging China to accelerate its own testing.
Trump’s take on nuclear weapons has always been a mix of blunt rhetoric and fascination. He has previously threatened to position nuclear submarines near Russia and even taunted North Korea’s Kim Jong Un about the size of their respective nuclear buttons.
Now, with this renewed call for nuclear testing, it raises an important question: Could the U.S. conduct such tests without violating international treaties? Jon Wolfsthal, former director of arms control and nonproliferation at the National Security Council, weighed in, suggesting that resuming testing could lead to legal battles at home, delaying any actual tests by years.
As the situation evolves, it’s clear that the current landscape of international relations, especially regarding nuclear capabilities, remains volatile. What’s needed now is careful diplomacy and well-informed strategies to navigate these complexities.
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