Trump Orders Immediate Nuclear Weapons Testing, Escalates Tensions Just Before Critical Summit With China's Xi Jinping

International News: US President Donald Trump has ordered a response to other countries' testing programs. He has ordered the War Department to begin testing the country's nuclear weapons. In a post on Twitter, Trump said, "The United States has more nuclear weapons than any other country. This was achieved during my tenure with a complete update and renovation of existing weapons."

US President Donald J trump posts, "The United States has more Nuclear Weapons than any other country. This was accomplished, including a complete update and renovation of existing weapons, during my First Term in office. Because of the tremendous destructive power, I HATED to do… pic.twitter.com/O4FbExQK8h

— ANI (@ANI) October 30, 2025

Trump also said, "Because of its enormous destructive power, I didn't like doing it, but I had no other choice. Russia is second, and China is third, but within five years they will be on par." Trump also said, "Due to the testing programs of other countries, I have ordered the War Department to test our nuclear weapons on an equal basis. This process will begin immediately."

Why was this decision taken?

This decision comes after reports that Russia recently tested two advanced nuclear-capable weapons: the 9M730 Burevestnik cruise missile and the Poseidon underwater drone. Both weapons can carry nuclear warheads and are designed for long-range capability. 

This decision was taken before Jinping's meeting

This announcement comes just ahead of Trump's upcoming meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea. Relations between the US and China are currently strained by a trade war that has impacted the global economy. Recently, the US increased export restrictions, while China tightened its controls on rare earth exports. In response, Trump threatened to impose 100% tariffs on Chinese goods starting November 1st.

Progress Amid Tensions, Nuclear Fears

Despite tensions, the two countries made some progress during trade talks in Malaysia and agreed on a basic framework for a potential trade deal. Meanwhile, Trump criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin for continuing nuclear tests and urged him to focus on ending the four-year war in Ukraine. Global concerns about nuclear weapons are growing as both Russia and China expand their military power.