US Nuclear Testing Plans Spark Global Denials

The article discusses President Trump's claim in a 60 Minutes interview that China has been conducting clandestine nuclear weapons testing. China's Foreign Ministry responded with a flat denial, stating that China has upheld a self-defense nuclear strategy and abided by its commitment to suspend nuclear testing. The article also explores the implications of Trump's statement, including the possibility of the U.S. resuming nuclear tests. U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright clarified that the tests being considered are likely 'non-critical explosions' or system tests, not nuclear explosions. The article highlights the tension between the U.S., China, and Russia regarding nuclear testing and disarmament.

Pakistan has denied President Trump's claim that it has conducted nuclear tests, stating that it will not be the first to resume nuclear tests. Trump made the assertion during a 60 Minutes interview, alongside claims that Russia and China have also conducted nuclear tests. Pakistan's last known nuclear test was in 1998, and it has since observed a unilateral moratorium on nuclear testing. China has also denied Trump's claims, stating that it has abided by its commitment to suspend nuclear testing. The US has not conducted nuclear tests in over 30 years, but Trump has announced plans to resume testing, although it is unclear what this entails.

The article discusses the contradictory statements made by President Trump and his Energy Secretary, Chris Wright, regarding the resumption of nuclear testing by the United States. Trump stated that he had ordered the resumption of explosive nuclear testing, citing secret nuclear underground detonations by Russia, China, and other nuclear-armed states. However, Wright contradicted Trump, stating that the US would continue its regular testing of nuclear components and systems, but not conduct new explosive tests. The article highlights the confusion and mixed messages within the administration on a critical issue related to nuclear weapons.