Washington DC: In a stunning claim that has sent shockwaves through global diplomatic circles, former US President Donald Trump has alleged that Pakistan, China, and North Korea have been secretly conducting underground nuclear tests — a charge that could have major geopolitical repercussions, especially for India.
In an interview with CBS, Trump said, “Russia’s testing and China’s testing, but they don’t talk about it. Certainly, North Korea’s been testing. Pakistan’s been testing.” He asserted that these countries are carrying out nuclear detonations “deep underground,” escaping detection by global monitoring systems. “They test where people don’t know what’s happening — you just feel a little vibration,” Trump added.
Donald Trump just dropped the full 73-minute unedited version of his 60 Minutes interview, claiming that the network “cut too much.”
What do you notice?
pic.twitter.com/YZgZzH5IMu— Lucas Sanders 💙🗳️🌊💪🌈🚺🟧 (@LucasSa56947288) November 3, 2025
‘We can’t be the only ones not testing,’ says Trump
Trump’s explosive remarks came alongside his announcement that the United States will restart its own nuclear testing program after a 33-year moratorium — a move he justified as necessary to “keep pace” with rival powers like Russia, China, and North Korea.
“We’re the only country that doesn’t test,” Trump said. “I don’t want to be the only country that doesn’t test. You have to see how they work.” He also boasted that America possesses “enough nuclear weapons to blow up the world 150 times.”
US plans under scrutiny
While Trump’s comments triggered alarm across the international community, US officials later clarified that upcoming nuclear tests would likely involve non-explosive simulations and system checks rather than full-scale detonations. The US Department of Energy emphasized that no live nuclear explosions have been planned.
China hits back, Pakistan silent
Beijing swiftly rejected Trump’s claims, calling them “baseless and irresponsible.” Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said, “China has always abided by its moratorium on nuclear testing and firmly supports the global ban.” Islamabad, however, has so far chosen to stay silent on the matter.
High-stakes warning for India
Trump’s remarks carry special significance for India, which borders both Pakistan and China — two nuclear-armed nations with whom tensions remain high. Security analysts warn that if Trump’s claims prove even partially true, it could destabilize the fragile strategic balance in South Asia.
Experts also fear the allegations could undermine the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) — a global pact designed to prevent explosive nuclear testing.
Global anxiety over a new arms race
The comments have revived fears of a renewed nuclear arms race, with concerns that Washington’s move might encourage other nations to follow suit. “Even unverified claims can escalate mistrust and erode decades of arms-control progress,” a senior UN diplomat said on condition of anonymity.
Whether Trump’s allegations hold substance or are a politically charged warning remains unclear — but one thing is certain: the world is watching closely as nuclear tensions simmer once again.
