President Trump has proposed potential discussions with Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin focused on reducing nuclear stockpiles and cutting military budgets by half. He expressed his intent during a press conference, emphasizing the excessive capacity of the existing U.S. nuclear arsenal. As related discussions unfold, the future of arms control agreements remains at stake amid geopolitical tensions.

United States President Donald Trump has proposed engaging in discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin to address the reduction of nuclear arsenals and to significantly cut military expenditures by half. During a press conference at the White House, he expressed a desire to facilitate these discussions once geopolitical tensions subside.

Trump articulated his intention, stating, “When we straighten it all out, then I want one of the first meetings I have [to be] with President Xi of China, President Putin of Russia. And I want to say, let’s cut our military budget in half.” He further emphasized his expectations for all parties to reduce military spending considerably.

The President remarked that the current U.S. nuclear arsenal’s capability to cause destruction is unprecedented, arguing against the need for new nuclear weapons. He stated, “There’s no reason to build new nuclear weapons when Washington’s existing arsenal could destroy the world 100 times over.”

Moreover, he mentioned a recent discussion with President Putin about arms reduction, suggesting a collaborative approach to limit nuclear proliferation among the U.S., Russia, and China. Trump insisted that substantial reductions could be achieved and pointed out China’s attempts to enhance its nuclear capabilities.

The global nuclear stockpile is predominantly hold by the U.S. and Russia, totaling approximately 10,805 warheads according to the Arms Control Association. This figure starkly contrasts with the estimated 600 nuclear warheads possessed by China and approximately 1,000 by other nuclear-armed nations.

The U.S. defense budget for fiscal year 2025 is set at $895 billion, overshadowing military spending estimates for other nations, which are often understated. China’s military spending is projected at $185 billion, while Russia’s totals approximately $145.9 billion.

As the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty approaches its potential expiration in February next year, Russian officials indicated that conditions for its renewal appear unfavorable. This agreement is currently the only remaining arms control framework between the United States and Russia.

In conclusion, President Trump has signaled a willingness to engage China and Russia in discussions aimed at reducing nuclear arsenals and military budgets. His call for negotiations reflects a broader strategy to de-escalate military tensions while advocating for substantial cuts in defense spending. As the world navigates complex security dynamics, the sustainability of arms control agreements will be critical for future global stability.

Original Source: www.aljazeera.com

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