Donald Trump has asked American military leaders to resume testing of American nuclear weapons to keep pace with other countries, such as Russia and China, according to the BBC. The instructions of the US President come after Trump criticized Russia for testing a nuclear-powered missile.
“Considering the testing programs of other countries, I have instructed the Department of War to start testing our nuclear weapons on equal terms”, Trump wrote on social networks, just before meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea.
The United States holds more nuclear weapons than any other country, said the White House Leader. Russia is in second place, and China is in a “distant third place”.
These would be the first nuclear tests in over 30 years
The US has not conducted nuclear weapons tests since 1992.
Donald Trump’s request comes just a few days after Trump denounced Russia for testing a nuclear-powered missile, which would have an unlimited range.
In Wednesday evening’s post, Trump acknowledges the “enormous destructive power” of nuclear weapons, but says he has “no choice” but to update and renovate the US arsenal during his first term.
The White House Leader also said that China’s nuclear program “will be ready within 5 years”.
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