US not prepared for nuclear war with China, key conservatives warn Trump

The U.S. is facing a critical shortage of tactical nuclear weapons that could hinder its ability to defend against China in the Indo-Pacific region, a group of influential conservatives and lawmakers have warned the Trump administration. In a 13-minute video obtained by Fox News Digital and set for release by the Heritage Foundation, experts argue that the U.S. nuclear arsenal is outdated, with the newest weapons dating back nearly four decades.

The video presents a hypothetical scenario where China launches a tactical nuclear weapon to destroy the U.S. Air Force Base at Guam, in an attempt to gain an advantage in a conflict. The U.S. President would then want to respond with a similar strike against a Chinese target, but the video highlights a major problem – the U.S. likely lacks the capability to carry out such a mission effectively.

Bob Peters, a strategic deterrence fellow at Heritage, explains that since the end of the Cold War, the U.S. has significantly reduced its nuclear weapons arsenal, leaving it ill-equipped to counter growing threats from China. Senator Deb Fischer points out that the U.S. had shifted its focus away from containing threats in the Indo-Pacific region, leading to a lack of preparedness for potential conflicts.

China has been rapidly expanding its nuclear capabilities, with plans to increase its warhead count to over 1,000 by 2030. In contrast, the U.S. is relying on nuclear weapons that are over three decades old, with many of them meant to be retired long ago. The video draws a parallel between the outdated U.S. nuclear arsenal and a vintage car kept on life support, highlighting the urgent need for modernization.

The focus on the Middle East conflicts over the past decades has left the U.S. vulnerable to emerging threats from China, as Representative Chip Roy points out. China has been investing heavily in strategic and tactical nuclear weapons, as well as developing advanced hypersonic missiles that could potentially reach the American homeland with little warning.

The video emphasizes the importance of modernizing the U.S. strategic arsenal and building a stronger Navy to counter the growing threats from China. It calls for a shift in priorities to ensure that the U.S. is prepared to defend itself and its allies in the face of increasing aggression from adversaries.

As the world watches closely, it is crucial for the U.S. to demonstrate its resolve and military capabilities to deter potential conflicts. Admiral Charles Richard stresses the need for the U.S. to field sufficient military strength to dissuade China and other adversaries from challenging American interests. The message is clear – the U.S. must act decisively to address the shortcomings in its nuclear capabilities and stand ready to defend against any threats that may arise in the Indo-Pacific region.