US Resumes Nuclear Testing Amid China Arsenal Expansion, Russia Stockpile Remains Largest

President Donald Trump has directed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to resume testing of America's nuclear weapons, ending a 33-year moratorium, a move announced just before his summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea. This development comes amid concerns over China's expanding nuclear arsenal, which has grown to around 600 warheads. Concurrently, the U.S. has escalated its military presence near Venezuela, including deploying its largest aircraft carrier group to Latin American waters, which Swiss media interpret as potentially signaling intentions beyond fighting drug trafficking, possibly regime change against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Trump's actions contrast with his earlier campaign promises to avoid foreign conflicts, suggesting a more interventionist approach in Latin America and Asia. The Trump-Xi summit and increased U.S. nuclear investment, including about $80 billion in new nuclear reactors, highlight a strategic pivot towards strengthening U.S. military and diplomatic influence amid global tensions. These moves collectively indicate a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy under President Trump, emphasizing power projection and preparation for heightened international competition.