Trump Seeks Nuclear Deal with China, NYT Reports

Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump (File Photo: Getty Images / Pool)

Potential pact could be part of broader negotiations with Xi Jinping

U.S. President Donald Trump is aiming to negotiate a comprehensive agreement with China that would encompass nuclear weapons security, alongside trade and investment commitments, according to a Wednesday report from The New York Times. The report cites insights from White House advisers.

Per the NYT, Trump envisions a deal that goes beyond trade, securing significant Chinese investments and increased purchases of U.S. goods while tackling nuclear security—an issue he plans to raise directly with Chinese President Xi Jinping. More than six current and former Trump advisers confirmed his intent to the outlet.

Michael Pillsbury, a China specialist who advised Trump during his first-term trade talks, told the NYT that Trump expressed this ambition to him “a few months ago,” emphasizing a deal that would mutually benefit both nations.

However, advisers noted that significant hurdles remain, particularly since the Trump administration has not yet outlined specific demands for Beijing.

China is widely regarded as one of the United States’ foremost national security challenges, even as it remains a critical trading partner and a key player in areas like nuclear security, technology, and global health preparedness.

The Pentagon recently labeled China as the U.S.’s top defense priority, calling it a “peer competitor” with both the means and intent to challenge American interests, especially in the Indo-Pacific.

Last week, Trump told White House reporters he had suggested discussions with China and Russia to explore slashing nuclear arsenals and halving defense budgets across all three countries. He expressed hope to meet Xi and Russian President Vladimir Putin “when things calm down.”

Some Chinese analysts, according to the NYT, are skeptical about the prospects of a deal, given Beijing’s wariness of Trump and expectations of ongoing tensions. Still, Chinese officials have reportedly been crafting a proposal to lure the U.S. president back to negotiations.

U.S.-China relations deteriorated during Trump’s first term, culminating in a trade war after he imposed hefty tariffs on Chinese goods in 2018, citing unfair trade practices and intellectual property violations. China hit back with tariffs on U.S. exports, intensifying the rift. A Phase One trade agreement was signed in early 2020, but the Covid-19 pandemic derailed many of its promises.

Recently, Trump introduced fresh tariffs on major trading partners, including an additional 10% duty on Chinese imports. Beijing condemned the move, retaliating with tariffs on key U.S. exports and calling for a return to dialogue.

Both China and Russia have signaled openness to working with the U.S. on nuclear disarmament. Beijing reiterated its “no first use” nuclear policy in response to Trump’s reported push for talks, while Russia’s deputy UN ambassador, Dmitry Polyansky, indicated that meaningful disarmament talks could resume if the U.S. adjusts its approach. The last U.S.-Russia nuclear arms treaty is due to expire in 2026.