President Donald J. Trump has alleged that Russia and China have secretly conducted underground nuclear weapons tests, prompting renewed scrutiny of global arms control efforts. The claim was made during an interview aired on CBS’s “60 Minutes” on Sunday, where the President defended his administration’s decision to resume nuclear testing after a 33-year moratorium.
“Russia’s testing, and China’s testing, but they don’t talk about it,” President Trump said. “I don’t want to be the only country that doesn’t test.”
The President also named North Korea and Pakistan as countries suspected of conducting undisclosed nuclear tests. He stated that the United States must maintain strategic parity and ensure its deterrent capabilities remain credible.
President Trump’s remarks come in the wake of his directive to the Department of Energy and the Pentagon to prepare for renewed nuclear testing. The administration has argued that advancements in nuclear technology and rising global threats require updated assessments of the U.S. arsenal.
The President emphasized that the decision was not made lightly and was based on intelligence reports suggesting that rival nations have violated the spirit of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), which prohibits all nuclear explosions.
The allegations have sparked concern among arms control experts and international watchdogs. Verification of underground nuclear tests remains a complex challenge, especially when conducted in remote or concealed locations. The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) has not confirmed any recent violations by Russia or China.
Both Russia and China have denied the accusations. Russian officials labeled the claims as “baseless,” while China’s Foreign Ministry stated that the country remains committed to non-proliferation and transparency.
The announcement has reignited debate within the United States over the necessity and risks of nuclear testing. Critics argue that resuming tests could undermine decades of non-proliferation efforts and provoke an arms race. Supporters contend that testing is essential for maintaining national security and technological superiority.
Global leaders and diplomats are expected to address the issue during upcoming United Nations sessions. The U.S. State Department has indicated that it will engage with allies to discuss the implications and coordinate responses.
President Trump’s assertion that Russia and China have secretly tested nuclear weapons has introduced a new layer of tension in global security discourse. As the United States prepares to reenter the nuclear testing arena, questions remain about verification, diplomacy, and the future of arms control agreements.