U.S. President Trump said he has directed the defense sector to initiate nuclear weapons testing procedures "on the same basis as other major powers," but it is unclear what type of testing the directive refers to, including nuclear warheads themselves, or delivery systems such as missiles. Trump posted on social media that as other countries conduct relevant tests, the United States will immediately begin relevant procedures.
In an interview with reporters on his way back to the United States, Trump said the government would issue more detailed instructions in due course. He said, "Regarding other countries, they all seem to be conducting nuclear-related tests," without naming them.
As for whether he believes that the risk of the global nuclear environment has increased, Trump said he does not think so and reiterated that he "wants to see nuclear reductions."
According to reports, the United States has not conducted a nuclear explosion test since 1992, and has joined some countries in abiding by a long-term tacit agreement to suspend underground nuclear testing. Recently, Russia announced the test of a new type of nuclear-powered cruise missile and related equipment, which is regarded as one of the backgrounds that triggered pressure from the United States.
Trump stated in the post that the United States' nuclear force is the largest in size and that it has completed the upgrade of its nuclear force during his term of office. He said the move was "reluctant to do because it would be too destructive, but there was no alternative".
At present, the United States relies on high-performance simulation systems and small-scale experiments to maintain the effectiveness of nuclear deterrence. Relevant departments believe that there is no need to restart nuclear explosion tests. Analysts say the retesting could actually benefit competitors still developing new weapons.
The United States signed the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty in 1996, but has not yet completed the ratification process. Even if a formal directive is issued, the United States will still need several months to prepare for relevant tests.