China Denies Trump’s Accusations, Affirms ‘Self-Defence’ Nuclear Posture

China’s foreign ministry has strongly affirmed its “self-defence” nuclear posture while denying “irresponsible” accusations from Donald Trump that it is secretly testing weapons. The denial came after Trump ordered the U.S. to resume its own testing.
The ministry stated that China is a “responsible nuclear-weapons state” and has always “abided by its commitment to suspend nuclear testing.” This was a direct response to Trump’s claims on CBS.
In that interview, Trump alleged, “Russia’s testing, and China’s testing, but they don’t talk about it.” He insisted the U.S. would not be “the only country that doesn’t test.”
Trump had already given the order via a social media post, instructing the “Department of War” to begin testing “on an equal basis.” He claimed the U.S. arsenal, which he called the world’s largest, was fully renovated.
This escalation has sparked fears of a new arms race. Trump’s order follows reports of Russia testing a new nuclear-powered cruise missile and a nuclear-capable underwater drone.