The Trump administration is weighing whether to conduct a nuclear test explosion as a negotiating standpoint as it seeks an arms control agreement with Russia and China. Making matters worse, the Senate Armed Services Committee approved an amendment to the fiscal 2021 National Defense Authorization Act to authorize $10 million to execute a nuclear test if necessary.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un presided over a meeting where officials agreed to strengthen the country's nuclear deterrent, a move that Trump administration officials criticized. Pyongyang also cut all communication lines with Seoul, but South Korean President Moon remains committed to inter-Korean dialogue.
On May 15, the Trump administration reportedly discussed conducting an explosive nuclear test, which the United States has not done since 1992.
U.S. national security officials discussed the possibility of resuming U.S. nuclear testing for political purposes, but have made no decision so far.
Executive director Daryl Kimball describes recent discussions by senior Trump administration officials to resume U.S. nuclear weapons testing and the effect such would have on global security and arms control. (May 29, 2020)
The website for the Project for the CTBT has recently moved here, to the Arms Control Association. Welcome to its new home!
The COVID-19 pandemic is reshaping thinking about national security and geopolitics Understanding these changes is crucial to how we—as advocates, analysts, educators, and engaged citizens—respond.
North Korea has continued to test new missile systems and develop other new weapons as the United States aims to press sanctions.
The State Department renews concerns that China and Russia may have conducted prohibited nuclear testing activities.