Trump Orders Immediate US Nuclear Boost Amid China Threat

President Donald Trump has ordered an immediate boost to the United States' nuclear weapons program, directing the Pentagon—referred to as the "Department of War" by Trump—to resume testing of nuclear weapons "on an equal basis" with other countries. The announcement was made just before his high-stakes meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea, highlighting concerns over growing nuclear capabilities worldwide. Trump emphasized that while the U.S. currently has the largest nuclear arsenal, rivals like China are rapidly catching up and could equal U.S. nuclear strength within five years.

This decision marks a significant shift in U.S. nuclear policy. Since 1992, the U.S. had observed a moratorium on actual nuclear testing, relying primarily on computer simulations and subcritical tests. Trump's new order could lead to live nuclear tests, a move that risks reigniting global nuclear arms competition and complicates longstanding arms control efforts such as the New START treaty between the U.S. and Russia, which is nearing expiration.

Trump acknowledged the power and risks of nuclear weapons, expressing reluctance about restarting testing but stressing that it was necessary due to similar programs pursued by other nations, especially Russia and China. He described Russia as the second-largest nuclear power and China as a distant third, but warned that China will catch up within five years, a concern reflected in China's ongoing expansion of its nuclear arsenal, including thousands of new missile silos.

From a broader perspective, experts warn this move signals a new and dangerous phase in the global nuclear arms race as multiple countries modernize and expand their nuclear arsenals amid declining arms control cooperation. Advances in technology such as artificial intelligence, cyber capabilities, and new missile systems compound the risks, potentially increasing the chance of miscommunication or accidents leading to conflict.

Meanwhile, the timing of Trump's announcement—just before talks with China—adds diplomatic complexity amid ongoing trade negotiations and strategic rivalry between the two countries. It reflects deepening tensions but also strategic signaling about U.S. commitment to maintaining nuclear superiority.

In summary, the U.S. nuclear program boost ordered by Trump reflects serious concerns about shifting global power balances, especially the rapid growth of China’s nuclear forces. While it aims to maintain American deterrence and security, it also raises the stakes in an already fragile global security environment, highlighting the urgent need for renewed dialogue on nuclear arms control and risk reduction measures to avoid destabilizing consequences.

With inputs from agencies

Image Source: Multiple agencies