US Likely to Resume Nuclear Testing Amid China's Opaque Activities

U.S. Likely to Resume Nuclear Testing

The United States is considering resuming nuclear testing to match China's opaque activities, as revealed by a senior state department official.

Background and Implications

This decision comes amid the expiration of the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START), the world's last binding nuclear arms control agreement. Assistant Secretary of State Christopher Yeaw highlighted that the U.S. will conduct tests with yields in the hundreds of tonnes, ensuring 'equal basis' as per President Trump's directive.

China's Response

However, he clarified that this does not mean a return to large-scale atmospheric testing like the Ivy Mike bombs. The move has been criticized by China, which denies any secret nuclear test and claims the accusations are merely an excuse for U.S. testing plans.

Global Concerns

The U.S. will keep trying to bring China into a new nuclear arms control deal, according to Yeaw. 'The president certainly wants China in this agreement,' he said. 'I don't know exactly the path that we will take to get there...'