Trump downplays China-Russia-Iran nuclear talks, says they may discuss ‘de-escalation’

President Donald Trump Downplays Nuclear Summit in Beijing

President Donald Trump, speaking from the Oval Office on Thursday, played down the significance of an upcoming nuclear summit in Beijing involving Iran, Russia, and China—three key adversaries of the United States. The summit, first confirmed by the Chinese foreign ministry, comes at a critical time, just days after Iran rejected Trump’s efforts to engage in nuclear negotiations. The discussions in Beijing are set to coincide with a United Nations Security Council meeting focused on Iran’s recent expansion of near-weapons-grade uranium enrichment, a move that has raised concerns among the international community.

When asked about the summit, Trump suggested that the talks might focus on broader issues, including the de-escalation of nuclear weapons. “Well, maybe they’re going to talk about non-nuclear problems,” Trump told reporters. “Maybe they’re going to be talking about the de-escalation of nuclear weapons.” His remarks reflect a cautious optimism about the potential for dialogue, though he stopped short of expressing confidence in the summit’s success.

Trump Reflects on Past Discussions with Putin and Future Hopes for Denuclearization

During his comments, Trump also reflected on his past interactions with Russian President Vladimir Putin, particularly on the issue of nuclear weapons. He recalled “strong” discussions with Putin during his presidency and expressed confidence that, had he won the 2016 election, further progress on Russian denuclearization might have been achievable. “I think I would have made a deal with Putin on de-escalation, denuclearization,” Trump said. He emphasized the importance of reducing nuclear arsenals, given the devastating potential of these weapons.

Trump’s comments on Russia were paired with a warning about China’s rapidly expanding nuclear capabilities. He suggested that China could “catch up” to the United States in nuclear firepower within five years, a timeline that contradicts assessments from some experts. While the Pentagon reported in 2024 that China’s nuclear arsenal had grown to approximately 600 warheads—up from just over 200 in 2020—experts from the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists dismissed claims of parity with the U.S. as a “gross exaggeration.” The current U.S. nuclear stockpile is estimated at 5,225 warheads, while Russia holds the largest arsenal with 5,580. China, meanwhile, remains a distant third.

Poland Seeks U.S. Nuclear Presence Amid Russia Threat

As tensions between the U.S. and its adversaries continue to rise, Poland has called on the United States to deploy nuclear weapons within its borders as a deterrent against Russia. The request underscores the growing security concerns in Eastern Europe, particularly in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. While the U.S. has not yet responded to Poland’s request, the move highlights the region’s vulnerability and the perception of an escalating threat from Moscow.

North Korea’s Nuclear Program Raises Alarms

In addition to the challenges posed by Iran, Russia, and China, North Korea’s nuclear program remains a significant concern. Pyongyang is estimated to possess around 50 nuclear weapons, a number that Trump described as “a lot.” Despite the alarming figures, Trump expressed hope for future negotiations, citing his positive relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during his first term. “I have a great relationship with Kim Jong Un, and we’ll see what happens,” Trump said. He suggested that this relationship could pave the way for further dialogue, potentially leading to nuclear de-escalation.

The Broader Implications of Nuclear Proliferation

The discussions in Beijing and the broader tensions over nuclear weapons highlight the precarious state of global arms control. With the United States, Russia, and China engaged in a new era of nuclear competition, the risk of proliferation and conflict has never been more pressing. Trump’s comments on the need for de-escalation and his hope for future agreements with adversaries like Putin and Kim Jong Un reflect a recognition of the stakes involved. However, the road ahead remains fraught with challenges, as the complex web of alliances, rivalries, and security concerns continues to shape the global nuclear landscape.