Donald Trump orders Pentagon to begin testing nuclear weapons 'immediately' - for the first time since 1992

Shortly before arriving at his meeting with the Chinese leader, the US President wrote on Truth Social: "The United States has more Nuclear Weapons than any other country.

"This was accomplished, including a complete update and renovation of existing weapons, during my First Term in office.

"Because of the tremendous destructive power, I HATED to do it, but had no choice! Russia is second, and China is a distant third, but will be even within 5 years.

"Because of other countries testing programs, I have instructed the Department of War to start testing our Nuclear Weapons on an equal basis. That process will begin immediately."

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The announcement came shortly before the two powerful leaders were due to meet in South Korea in a meeting that had been due to be dominated by trade.

While China is mentioned in the post, the "testing programs" mentioned appear to take aim at Russian dictator Vladimir Putin and North Korea's Kim Jong-un

Mr Putin said on Wednesday that Russia has successfully tested a Poseidon nuclear-power super torpedo which military analysts say could devastate coastal regions by triggering radioactive ocean swells.

Putin has repeatedly flexed Russia's nuclear muscles since the onset of the Ukraine war in February 2022.

Russia recently tested a nuclear-capable Burevestnik cruise missile on October 21 and ran launch drills a day later.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un also conducted a "successful" cruise missile test during Trump's visit to their hated neighbour.