US Senate Armed Services Committee Holds Hearing on Nuclear Programs Ahead of Trump-Xi Meeting
Senator Roger Wicker described an unprecedented Chinese buildup of missile silos, submarines and bombers during a hearing on atomic defense activities. The session occurred on May 14 2026 in Washington just before President Donald Trump was scheduled to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping. The review covered the fiscal year 2027 Defense Authorisation Request and nuclear security programme.
680news.comA US Senate hearing on nuclear capabilities convened in Washington on May 14 2026, hours before President Donald Trump was due to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping. Senator Roger Wicker, who chairs the Senate Armed Services Committee, said in his opening statement that China has been engaged in an “unprecedented nuclear expansion” in recent years.
” The hearing was held to receive testimony on the Department of Energy and National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)’s atomic energy defence activities.
It reviewed the Defence Authorisation Request for the financial year 2027 and the Future Years Nuclear Security Programme. The Chinese embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment on May 14 2026. President Donald Trump ordered the US military to resume nuclear weapons tests for the first time in 33 years.
The article was published at 5:14am on 14 May 2026 and updated at 5:18am on 14 May 2026. @SCMPNews reported the details of the hearing and the statements from Senator Roger Wicker.
Key Facts
Story Timeline
5 events- 2026-05-14 05:14
SCMP publishes article on the Senate hearing
1 source@SCMPNews - 2026-05-14
US Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on nuclear capabilities held in Washington
1 source@SCMPNews - 2026-05-14
Senator Roger Wicker delivers opening statement on China nuclear activities
1 source@SCMPNews - 2026-05-14
Hearing occurs hours before President Donald Trump meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping
1 source@SCMPNews - 2026-05-14 05:18
SCMP updates the article
1 source@SCMPNews
Potential Impact
- 01
Resumption of US nuclear testing after 33 years marks major policy shift in atomic capabilities
- 02
Review of FY2027 nuclear security programme could influence future US defense authorization levels
- 03
Hearing statements may shape US negotiating position ahead of Trump-Xi summit on May 14 2026
Transparency Panel
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