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الوسم: nuclear testing

  • China Denies US Allegations of Hidden Nuclear Tests

    China Denies US Allegations of Hidden Nuclear Tests

    China denied US accusations that it tested nuclear explosives in secret, calling the claims false and labeling them as “absolutely untrue.” They accused Washington of creating false pretenses to resume its own nuclear tests. During a UN Disarmament Conference in Geneva last Friday, US Under Secretary of State for Arms Control, Thomas DiNanno, alleged that China had carried out tests, including one on June 22, 2020, and was preparing for additional high-yield tests.

    The Chinese Foreign Ministry responded on Monday, stating, “US claims are completely baseless and outright falsehoods. China strongly opposes the US efforts to justify its own nuclear testing resumption.” They urged the US to halt these “irresponsible actions” immediately.

    In October, President Donald Trump announced that the US would restart nuclear testing “on an equivalent basis” with Russia and China, though he provided no details on the type or scope of testing envisioned.

    DiNanno’s remarks coincided with the unveiling of a new US proposal calling for trilateral negotiations with Russia and China to establish new nuclear limitations. This proposal emerges after the expiration last Thursday of the last remaining nuclear arms treaty, New START, between Washington and Moscow. China has already declined to participate in disarmament negotiations “at this time.”

  • Trump hints at nuclear testing comeback, considers F-35 deal with Saudis

    Trump hints at nuclear testing comeback, considers F-35 deal with Saudis

    Last month, Trump ordered the restart of nuclear weapons testing. He mentioned that the United States would conduct nuclear testing similar to other countries but didn’t specify if this involves detonating a nuclear warhead. While on Air Force One en route to Florida, he told reporters, “I don’t want to tell you about that, but we will do nuclear testing like other countries.” The move follows his surprise directive to restart nuclear testing processes after a 33-year hiatus, announced via Truth Social while he was en route to a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea.

    Trump also indicated he’s considering a deal to supply Saudi Arabia with F-35 fighter jets made by Lockheed Martin. He stated, “They want to buy a lot of jets. I’m looking at that. They’ve asked me to consider it. They want to purchase more than just a few,” suggesting the potential for extensive arms sales. This possibility comes ahead of next week’s planned visit by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to the White House, where economic and defense agreements are expected to be signed. Trump characterized the visit as more than a typical meeting, emphasizing the honoring of Saudi Arabia.

    Additionally, a Bloomberg report citing a White House official stated that Trump and the crown prince are close to finalizing an agreement permitting Riyadh to acquire F-35s. The formal signing is anticipated during the Crown Prince’s visit scheduled for Tuesday. However, a Pentagon intelligence report warned of potential risks, including China gaining access to the aircraft’s technology if the sale proceeds.

    In legal news, Trump announced plans to pursue legal action against the BBC next week. The broadcaster sent a personal apology to Trump Thursday but maintained there was no legal ground for a defamation lawsuit related to a documentary his lawyers claimed was false. The documentary, aired shortly before the 2024 U.S. presidential election, edited parts of Trump’s speech from January 6, 2021, to create the false impression that he called for violence during the Capitol riot. The BBC expressed regret for the editing but disagreed with Trump’s lawyers’ assertion that it presented a defamatory claim. In response, Trump’s attorneys threatened to sue for up to $1 billion unless the BBC withdrew the documentary, issued an apology, and compensated him for damage to his reputation and finances.