Trump announced the construction of a new type of warship, "Trump" class, capable of carrying hypersonic and nuclear missiles: "for everyone, not only China"

On Monday, U.S. President Trump announced the launch of a new large-class warship named after his name. This move is extremely rare for a sitting president. When asked whether the new warships were intended to counter China, Trump said: "It's for everyone, not only China."

According to AFP, during a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, Trump assured that these ships would be "the best in the world." He clearly stated that the first two "Trump Class [Defiant]" warships will be built.

Shelves around the podium displayed simulated images of these future warships sailing and fighting at sea.

Trump said that these new vessels, with a displacement of "30,000 to 40,000 tons," are intended to send a message to "the whole world," "It's not targeting China. We get along very well with China."

Experts analyze that the U.S. still has a significantly stronger naval power projection capability than China, while China is working to strengthen and modernize its navy. It is rumored that Beijing recently commissioned its third aircraft carrier equipped with electromagnetic catapult systems, and the fourth is under construction.

"The biggest in history"

The Republican president expects the construction of the first two ships to take about "two and a half years." He assured that the number of ships in this class will quickly increase to 10, and the final scale of the project will reach 20 to 25 ships.

"Each of them will become the most powerful warship in our country's history, and even the world's strongest," said the 79-year-old billionaire, who is never short of extravagant words.

Trump referenced the memories of the victorious American battleships during World War II (such as the "Missouri") to introduce this new project called "steel giants," and promised they will be built in the U.S. itself.

He clearly stated that these ships will be equipped with cannons and laser weapons and can carry hypersonic weapons and nuclear weapons.

Additionally, Trump said he hopes to personally participate in the design of the new ship, "because I am a very aesthetic person."

In fact, Trump has shown a strong interest in the shipbuilding industry since his first term, especially criticizing the appearance of recent stealthy ships. He reiterated this view again in late September, saying those ships were "extremely ugly."

At a meeting with high-ranking military officials, he once ranted about it: "I don't like some of the ships you build. I'm a very aesthetic person, and from an aesthetic point of view, I don't like some of the ships you build."

"Not a fan"

Trump does not have a deep military or naval background, but he has some stubborn views on defense technology.

At the end of October, when speaking on an aircraft carrier docked in Japan, he advocated returning to steam catapults to launch carrier aircraft instead of using the latest electromagnetic system. He argued that the steam system is easier to maintain and has a more impressive visual effect.

"I like seeing that beautiful steam rising from the deck. If it's electric (electromagnetic catapult), there's no such effect," he said at the time.

This announcement was made shortly after the U.S. Congress passed a defense bill with an annual budget exceeding $90 billion.

Meanwhile, Democratic opponents have begun accusing Trump of having a "monarchist" view of the presidency – not only has he carved his name into public buildings, hung his own portrait in the White House, but he also considered minting commemorative coins with his image.

Source: rfi

Original: toutiao.com/article/1852314994476035/

Statement: This article represents the views of the author himself.