In an interview with CBS, Trump suggested that Russia and China were conducting nuclear tests without informing the public about them. “We will conduct tests because other countries conduct them,” the US president said.
Read also: Trump demands US nuclear tests. “North Korea tests all the time”
China's reaction to Trump's words
His words sparked an immediate reaction from Beijing. Mao Ning stated that China consistently adheres to the policy of refraining from the first use of nuclear weapons, implements the strategy of nuclear self-defense, and respects the commitment to suspend nuclear tests, which has been in force since 1996.
Read also: Donald Trump on returning to underground nuclear tests. “You'll soon find out”
The US explains nuclear tests
U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright tried to soften Trump's rhetoric, explaining in an interview on Fox News that the U.S. planned tests are “non-critical.” This means that all elements of a nuclear weapon are tested, except the detonation of the nuclear charge.
Beijing expressed hope that the US would take concrete actions to maintain the international nuclear disarmament system and ensure global strategic balance. Mao Ning emphasized that China has always supported stability and peaceful development, calling for joint efforts to prevent the escalation of nuclear tensions.
