Trump's nuclear test could end his chances for Nobel Peace Prize - The Washington Post

The plan to resume nuclear tests announced by US President Donald Trump could not only undermine global stability, but also effectively eliminate his chances of winning the Nobel Peace Prize. It was reported by The Washington Post.

According to the newspaper, Trump has instructed the Pentagon to resume nuclear weapons tests on a parity basis with russia and China. This decision, which is seen as a demonstration of force before the meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, means a significant change in the US strategic nuclear policy.

Experts believe that the initiative could lead to a new arms race. Daryl Kimball, executive director of the Arms Control Association, emphasized that the United States "has no technical, military or political reason to resume nuclear explosive testing." He noted that the United States has no need to return to nuclear experimentation.

He also noted that preparations for such tests would take about three years, as the National Nuclear Security Administration significantly reduced staff after the government shutdown.

Tong Zhao, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, warned that Washington's decision could push China to step up its own nuclear programs. The United States and russia are creating conditions that force Beijing to build up its capabilities to keep up, he says.

An expert on Chinese military policy, Lyle Morris, noted that Trump's statement caused shock and concern among Chinese officials on the eve of the summit with Xi Jinping.

On October 29, Donald Trump officially announced that he had ordered the Defense Department to launch nuclear tests "in response to the actions of Russia and China." He warned that Beijing could catch up with moscow in terms of nuclear weapons within five years and emphasized the need to test American systems.

The White House administration assured that all further steps would be in line with international agreements.

Trump has ordered to start testing of US nuclear weapons.