On the same day as announcing China trade deal, President Trump declares intention to resume nuclear testing

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  Newsroom

• October 31, 2025

• Newsroom

On the same day as announcing China trade deal, President Trump declares intention to resume nuclear testing

On Thursday, 30 October 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump announced two major international-policy actions in rapid succession: a trade agreement with China and, almost simultaneously, the intention to resume U.S. nuclear weapons testing.

Earlier today, while visiting Busan, South Korea, President Trump met with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping and disclosed that the U.S. government had agreed to reduce tariffs on Chinese goods from 57 % to 47 % in exchange for Chinese commitments on fentanyl trafficking, U.S. soybean purchases, and a one-year suspension of rare-earth export controls. 

Just a few hours later, President Trump posted on his social-media platform that he had instructed the Department of Defense (referred to as the “Department of War”) to immediately restart U.S. nuclear-weapons testing, “on an equal basis” with other nuclear powers—specifically Russia and China. 

“Because of other countries testing programs, I have instructed the Department of War to start testing our Nuclear Weapons on an equal basis. That process will begin immediately.” — President Donald Trump 

This decision marks a significant break from policy since 1992, when the United States last performed an explosive nuclear test. 

Cited motivations:
• President Trump referenced the rapid expansion of China’s nuclear arsenal and recent Russian tests (including nuclear-powered cruise missiles and underwater drones) as drivers for U.S. action. 
• The move is framed as necessary to ensure the U.S. maintains strategic parity and credibility among nuclear-armed states. 

Reactions & potential impacts:
Arms-control experts warn that resuming nuclear testing could spark a new arms race, weaken global non-proliferation efforts, and provoke strong diplomatic backlash from China, Russia and Asia-Pacific states. 
China has already urged the United States to honour the nuclear-testing moratorium and safeguard strategic stability. 

Next steps:
The Pentagon will soon promulgate a schedule of tests and select test sites. The Administration announced that it will provide congressional notification in due course. 
Simultaneously, formal instruments of the China trade deal will be drafted for implementation and ratification.

About China & the Trade Deal
The China deal includes:

• A reduction in U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods from 57 % to 47 %. 

• A Chinese commitment to purchase U.S. soybeans and farm goods. 

• A 12-month pause in China’s rare-earth export controls, which target defense and high-tech supply chains. 

President’s Statement
“This is a historic day. By bringing this great trade deal with China, we strengthen the American economy. At the same time, we reaffirm that the United States will remain the strongest and most respected nuclear power in the world, capable of standing on equal footing with Russia and China.” — President Donald Trump