The BRICS TimesTrump-Ordered Nuclear Weapons System Tests are ‘System Tests,’ Not Actual Detonations
Secretary Wright Clarifies Testing Scope
US Secretary of Energy Chris Wright clarified the upcoming nuclear weapons testing. He stated that the tests ordered by President Donald Trump will not involve actual nuclear explosions. Last week, during his Asia trip, Trump declared he had told the Department of Defense to restart the testing. He offered no further details at that time.
The United States has kept a moratorium on nuclear test explosions since 1992.
Focus on Developing Advanced Systems
Wright appeared on a Fox News program on Sunday. He firmly stated, “I think the tests we’re talking about right now are system tests. These are not nuclear explosions.” He further explained the testing’s goal. He said it aims at developing “sophisticated systems so that our replacement nuclear weapons are even better than the ones they were before.” The Department of Energy has an agency. This agency manages and improves the nation’s nuclear stockpile.
Global Reactions to the Announcement
Trump’s initial announcement drew quick international response. Russia quickly stated it would respond in kind. This would happen if any country abandoned the existing moratorium. China also urged the US to fulfill its non-proliferation obligations. Nihon Hidankyo is an important organization. It represents the survivors of the WWII atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The group has openly criticized President Trump’s announcement.
