President Trump announced plans to begin nuclear weapons testing just before a meeting with President Xi Jinping of China, who is overseeing a rapid expansion of China's nuclear arsenal. The announcement, made via social media, comes amid recent demonstrations of advanced nuclear delivery systems by Russia, although neither Russia nor China has conducted a nuclear detonation in decades. The move raises concerns about a potential escalation in global nuclear testing, especially as the last major arms control treaty between the United States and Russia nears expiration without a clear successor. China, which has dramatically increased its nuclear capabilities, has so far resisted joining arms control negotiations, and Trump's decision could prompt similar actions from other nuclear-armed nations.

Historically, American nuclear tests have been conducted by the Energy Department, but Trump has directed the Pentagon to proceed swiftly. Experts have questioned the necessity of renewed testing, citing advancements in computer modeling and the risks of reigniting a Cold War-style arms race. The international community is watching closely, as any resumption of nuclear detonations could undermine decades of restraint and provoke a new era of competition among nuclear powers.