Trump claims countries like Pakistan, Russia and China are conducting secret nuclear tests — he argues the United States must respond with testing of its own.
Key Remarks from the Interview
- Trump asserted, “Pakistan’s been testing… Russia’s testing and China’s testing, but they don’t talk about it.”
- He warned the U.S. cannot remain the only major power not testing nuclear weapons, saying, “We’re going to test because they test and others test.”
- Energy Secretary Chris Wright clarified these would be “system tests” rather than new nuclear detonations — focused on checking weapon-component performance.
Why This Raises Alarms
- The claim that Pakistan is conducting undisclosed nuclear tests challenges established assumptions: Pakistan’s past tests in 1998 were publicly announced.
- If the U.S. resumes testing, it could undermine decades of nuclear-test moratoriums and global disarmament norms.
- The reference to Pakistan, alongside Russia and China, hints at new geopolitical nuclear dynamics, with South Asia now indirectly spotlighted.
- Such statements can trigger regional arms-race fears, particularly in the India-Pakistan context and among Asian neighbours.
Immediate Repercussions
- Islamabad has not publicly confirmed any new testing.
- Beijing categorically denied being part of secret tests, reiterating its commitment to suspending nuclear detonations.
- Washington is now under pressure to clarify its next steps: whether these “system tests” will lead to full-scale detonations.
- Analysts warn that any U.S. return to explosive nuclear tests may isolate allies and render arms-control treaties moot.
