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Nia Simpson
Trump Downplays Significance of China-Russia-Iran Nuclear Summit
President Trump downplayed an upcoming nuclear summit in Beijing involving Iran, Russia, and China, suggesting discussions may focus on “de-escalation.” He emphasized China’s growing nuclear arsenal and expressed hope for future nuclear negotiations with North Korea, citing his prior relationship with Kim Jong Un as a positive factor.
On Thursday, President Donald Trump, addressing reporters from the Oval Office, minimized the significance of an upcoming nuclear summit in Beijing among Iran, Russia, and China, all notable adversaries of the United States. This summit follows Iran’s recent dismissal of Trump’s invitation for nuclear negotiations and aligns with a United Nations Security Council meeting focused on Iran’s advancement of uranium enrichment.
Trump expressed his belief that the discussions among these nations may revolve around “de-escalation” rather than solely nuclear matters. He posited that these countries might also be considering non-nuclear issues during their talks. Additionally, he referenced past discussions he had with Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding nuclear weapons, indicating that he would have sought advancements in denuclearization had he been re-elected in 2016.
The President also emphasized his concern over China’s rapid nuclear advancements, asserting that China might surpass the United States in its nuclear capabilities within the next five years. Current estimates from the Pentagon suggest China possesses around 600 nuclear weapons, a significant increase from 2020 figures. However, experts from the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists challenged the notion that China would reach parity with U.S. nuclear capabilities, emphasizing that even the most extreme projections for 2035 do not match the current U.S. arsenal.
Comparatively, Russia is estimated to hold 5,580 nuclear weapons, and the U.S. approximately 5,225. Meanwhile, concerns regarding North Korea’s nuclear capacity persist, particularly in light of its closer ties with Russia following the invasion of Ukraine. Trump referred to North Korea’s estimated 50 nuclear weapons, suggesting that this number is substantial.
Reflecting on his past relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, Trump indicated that there may still be potential for nuclear negotiations if he were to secure another term in office. He pointed out his favorable rapport with Kim, noting, “But certainly he’s a nuclear power.”
In conclusion, President Trump’s remarks highlight his perspective on the upcoming nuclear summit between Iran, Russia, and China, as well as his views on nuclear de-escalation. While he acknowledges the evolving nuclear capabilities of China and concerns regarding North Korea, he maintains optimism about potential diplomatic relations that could lead to nuclear negotiations. These insights underscore the ongoing complexities surrounding global nuclear discussions and security threats.
Original Source: www.foxnews.com
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