In a sensational statement, former U.S. President Donald Trump has claimed that Pakistan is carrying out underground nuclear tests, which are allegedly causing mild earthquakes in the region. Trump further stated that Russia and China are also engaged in similar nuclear testing activities.
The remarks are being linked to Trump’s earlier comments made before his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Wusan, Korea, where he had reportedly instructed U.S. officials to immediately restart America’s nuclear testing program.
“America Won’t Stay Behind,” Says Trump
In an interview with CBC News, Trump asserted that Russia, China, North Korea, and Pakistan are actively conducting nuclear tests, and the United States cannot afford to fall behind. He emphasized that while America already possesses an enormous nuclear arsenal, other nations are testing weapons underground, leading to seismic activity that many mistake for natural earthquakes.
“Russia's testing and China's testing, but they don't talk about it. We're an open society. We're different. We talk about it. We have to talk about it because otherwise you people are going to report. They don't have reporters that are going to be writing about it,” Trump said.
“We're going to test because they test and others test. And certainly North Korea's been testing. Pakistan's been testing,” he added.
“They-- they test way under-- underground where people don't know exactly what's happening with the test. You feel a little bit of a vibration. They test and we don't test. We have to test,” he said.
“Enough Weapons to Destroy the World 150 Times”
During the interview, Trump boasted about America’s nuclear strength, claiming, US possesses “more nuclear weapons than any other country,” adding that he had discussed denuclearisation with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
“We have enough nuclear weapons to blow up the world 150 times,” Trump said. “Russia has a lot of nuclear weapons, and China will have a lot. They have some. They have quite a bit.”
Global Nuclear Arsenal Overview
According to available data, the largest nuclear stockpiles in the world are held by:
