US and China discussing reciprocal nuclear site visits amid concerns about a new arms race

The Trump administration is exploring the possibility of reciprocal nuclear site visits with China, according to sources familiar with the matter. This has been discussed informally and is set to continue during upcoming in-person meetings, as concerns grow over China's rapidly expanding nuclear weapons program. The idea of these visits emerged from Chinese officials during recent meetings with US officials, suggesting China may be open to confidence-building measures.

The plan includes visits to both US Department of Energy national labs and China's nuclear facilities. Currently, the US has around 5,000 nuclear warheads, while China possesses approximately 600, but is projected to produce hundreds more in the next decade. While China has expressed openness to these discussions, it remains opposed to any measures that could limit its nuclear expansion.

Former State Department official Paul Dean emphasized the importance of approaching any Chinese nuclear negotiations with caution, deeming reciprocal visits "an extremely valuable confidence-building measure." However, experts and former officials remain skeptical about the immediate impact on achieving a breakthrough agreement, recognizing the need for serious consideration but acknowledging the potential challenges in gaining Chinese cooperation.