‘No reason’ for new nukes: Trump floats disarmament talks with China, Russia

President Donald Trump is continuing to push for denuclearization talks with both China and Russia, with plans to potentially convene a joint meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump expressed his desire for all countries to move towards denuclearization during a press briefing at the White House, emphasizing the need to reduce spending on nuclear weapons and focus on more productive endeavors.

The President highlighted the exorbitant costs associated with developing new nuclear weapons, stating that the current arsenal is already capable of destroying the world multiple times over. Trump cited the projected $756 billion expenditure on nuclear weapons between 2023 and 2032 as a reason to prioritize denuclearization efforts. He proposed cutting military budgets in half for both China and Russia, aiming to schedule meetings with Xi and Putin early in his second term to discuss these matters.

While the U.S. has significantly reduced its nuclear arsenal since the late 1980s, maintaining 3,748 nuclear warheads as of September 2023, Russia and China still possess substantial stockpiles. Russia is estimated to have around 4,380 nuclear warheads, while China boasts an arsenal of approximately 600 warheads. Trump’s call for denuclearization talks aligns with his previous statements at the Davos World Economic Forum in January, where he expressed interest in engaging with Russia and China on the issue.

Previous negotiations on denuclearization faltered during Trump’s first administration, but the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty with Russia was eventually extended under the Biden administration. Despite challenges in the past, Trump remains committed to pursuing talks with both Russia and China, vowing to address issues that have hindered progress in the past. He also emphasized the importance of peace following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, urging Putin to cease hostilities or face potential sanctions.

As discussions on denuclearization continue, Trump’s efforts to engage with world leaders and promote global disarmament reflect his commitment to prioritizing diplomatic solutions to complex international challenges. With the goal of reducing nuclear proliferation and fostering peace and stability, Trump’s proposed joint meeting with Xi and Putin signals a proactive approach to addressing nuclear threats on a global scale.