In a statement released Wednesday on his Truth Social platform, Trump revealed that he has directed the Pentagon to resume nuclear weapons testing. He stated that this process is set to commence without delay.

“The United States possesses more nuclear weapons than any other nation,” Trump declared. “This feat, which included a comprehensive update and renovation of our existing arsenal, was achieved during my first term. Although I detested the necessity due to their immense destructive power, circumstances left me no alternative. Russia ranks second, with China trailing but expected to catch up within five years.” He further explained, “Given the testing activities of other countries, I’ve instructed the Department of War to initiate testing of our nuclear weapons to maintain parity.”

It’s worth noting that the United States halted nuclear explosive testing back in 1992.

The United States stopped nuclear explosive testing in 1992. 

Trump’s post on social media came just before his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. 

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced Wednesday that his country had conducted a successful test of a new atomic-powered and nuclear-capable underwater drone, three days after he praised a successful test of a new nuclear-powered cruise missile.

Trump also said earlier Wednesday that the U.S. will share technology with South Korea to allow the country to build a nuclear-powered submarine, after meeting with the country’s president.

Trump said in a separate post that the country would build its nuclear-powered submarine in the Philly Shipyard, which was bought last year by South Korea’s Hanwha Group.

U.S. nuclear submarine technology is widely regarded as some of the most sensitive and highly guarded technology the military possesses. The U.S. has been incredibly protective of that knowledge, and even a recently announced deal with close allies the United Kingdom and Australia to help the latter acquire nuclear submarine technology doesn’t feature the U.S. directly transferring its knowledge.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.