Nuclear Testing Taboo at Risk: Trump Cites Secret Rival Activity

The long-standing global taboo against nuclear testing is at risk, as Donald Trump has ordered the U.S. to resume its program. His justification rests on unverified claims that Russia and China are already conducting such tests in secret.
“I don’t want to be the only country that doesn’t test,” Trump said in a television interview, after claiming “Russia’s testing, and China’s testing.” No country besides North Korea is known to have detonated a nuclear device in decades.
China’s foreign ministry immediately denied the allegation. The ministry stated that China “upheld a self-defence nuclear strategy” and has always “abided by its commitment to suspend nuclear testing.”
Trump’s order, first posted on social media, directed the “Department of War” to begin testing “on an equal basis.” He also boasted of the U.S. arsenal, claiming it was the world’s largest and recently “renovated.”
This move comes after Russia tested a new nuclear-powered cruise missile, Burevestnik. Trump’s directive has sparked confusion, as it is unclear if “testing” means a full-scale nuclear explosion.