During a recent interview with CBS News’ 60 Minutes, President Donald Trump claimed that China had been conducting clandestine nuclear weapons tests. He stated, “China’s testing ’em too. You just don’t know about it,” implying that China and Russia might have “quietly” resumed underground nuclear testing.
A couple of days following his announcement that the United States itself might reactivate its own nuclear weapons testing program, the statement drew immediate attention from other quarters around the world.
Trump maintained that the American system was transparent, in contrast to the secrecy of the other countries. In his view, the U.S. has to be open and candid about its nuclear activities, unlike in the cases of China and Russia, where such information is kept from the public.
Firm Chinese Rebuttal
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China was quick to reject Trump’s allegations. Spokeswoman Mao Ning put the issue forward at a Monday press briefing in Beijing, declaring the allegations “unfounded” and reiterating “China has always maintained a policy of peaceful development” and its commitment to a moratorium on atomic testing.
“China has always adhered to the path of peaceful development,” said Mao. “We pursue a policy of no first use of nuclear weapons and uphold a self defence nuclear strategy.” She further pointed out that China has not conducted nuclear tests since 1996 and still complies with the international obligations stipulated in the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT).
Historical Context and Global Implications
With the last confirmed nuclear test in China in 1996, Russia concluded its last using the same method back in 1990. Since then, both countries have observed their obligations for the cessation of nuclear detonations. Apart from North Korea, the only known state to have carried out nuclear testing in the recent past.
China’s Call for Responsibility
In addition to denying the allegations, China demanded that the United States act responsibly. Mao Ning urged Washington “to take concrete actions to safeguard international peace and security.” She emphasized that mutual trust and cooperation are essential to global stability, particularly in the area of nuclear policy.
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