US Accuses China of Secret Nuclear Testing Amid Arms Control Changes

The United States has accused China of conducting a secret nuclear test in June 2020, coinciding with the expiration of the New START Treaty, which previously limited nuclear arsenals between the US and Russia. This development raises concerns about global nuclear stability, as the US administration calls for a new arms control agreement that includes both China and Russia. Undersecretary of State Thomas DiNanno stated that China has been using methods to obscure its nuclear activities, while a monitoring organization claimed it did not detect any nuclear test consistent with the allegations. The situation highlights the complexities of international nuclear agreements, especially as the US prepares to modernize its nuclear capabilities without the constraints of the lapsed treaty.

Key Details: • The US claims China conducted a nuclear test on June 22, 2020. • The New START Treaty expired, leaving nuclear arsenals unregulated. • China maintains a policy of no first use of nuclear weapons. • US nuclear modernization programs will continue post-New START. • Calls for a new arms control agreement involving China and Russia are ongoing.