Donald Trump and Xi Jinping are easing the trade dispute. Nuclear weapons in the background
Trump's meeting with Xi Jinping brought the expected results for the global economy. The two leaders agreed to a one-year ceasefire in the trade conflict, which includes the withdrawal of some tariffs and restrictions on access to rare earth metals. As “NYT” notes, although the agreement may help stabilize the economy, it is accompanied by increased concerns about the potential spread of nuclear weapons by world powers.
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Donald Trump announces new nuclear tests
Before his meeting with Xi Jinping, Donald Trump announced the decision to resume nuclear weapons tests by the United States. The US president argued that this decision was a response to the testing programs of other countries, although he did not cite specific examples. He noted, however, that the US has the largest nuclear arsenal in the world, overtaking Russia and China, which, according to Trump, could equal the US and Russia within five years. This declaration coincided with recent reports of tests of Russian nuclear-powered missiles, such as the Burevestnik missile and the Poseidon torpedo.
The New York Times points out that Trump's statement may have been an attempt to put pressure on Xi ahead of the talks. After the meeting, the US president softened his previous position, suggesting that his declaration regarding nuclear weapons was not addressed to China but to other countries, which he did not name.
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“NYT” assesses: Trump's policy success
The newspaper emphasizes that the chaotic background of the meeting highlighted the variability of Trump's approach to foreign policy. His strategy in managing the US nuclear arsenal and international diplomacy seem to be evolving dynamically, which introduces an element of uncertainty in global relations. Despite this, the NYT assessed the talks with Xi as a success for both the US president's foreign and domestic policy.
