'We've enough nukes to blow up world 150 times': Trump
What's the story
United States President Donald Trump has defended his decision to resume nuclear testing, stating that he does not want Washington to be the only country that does not test its weapons. "The reason I'm saying...is because Russia announced that they were going to be doing a test. If you notice, North Korea is testing constantly. Other countries are testing. We're the only country that doesn't test," said Trump.
China
'China always watching us'
In an interview with CBS News, he also admitted that Washington is a "threat" to Beijing and is "always watching us." "This is a very competitive world, especially when it comes to China and the US...we're always watching them, and they're always watching us." The admission comes amid allegations by American intelligence agencies that Chinese hackers have breached parts of the US power grid and water systems. Beijing has also been accused of stealing American intellectual property and personal data.
Denuclearization discussions
China is rapidly increasing its nuclear arsenal
Trump also spoke about China's nuclear arsenal, saying Beijing is "makin' 'em rapidly." He said the US has more nuclear weapons than any other country and that he had discussed denuclearization with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping. "We have more nuclear weapons than any other country....We have enough nuclear weapons to blow up the world 150 times. Russia has a lot of nuclear weapons, and China will have a lot," he told CBS.
Nuclear testing justification
China has leverage over rare earth minerals
The president also acknowledged Beijing's "power" over rare earth minerals, which the US needs for various industries. "They use that against us...we used other things against them," he said, referring to tariffs and airplane parts disputes. Trump last week ordered the Pentagon to resume testing nuclear weapons "on an equal basis" with Russia and China. The announcement marks a major shift in US nuclear policy, which has maintained a voluntary moratorium on nuclear explosive testing since 1992.