Sat Feb 07 01:53:36 UTC 2026: ### Headline: U.S. Accuses China of Conducting Secret Nuclear Explosive Tests

The Story:
On February 6, 2026, the United States accused China of violating international test ban treaties by conducting secret nuclear explosive tests. U.S. Under Secretary of State for Arms Control, Thomas DiNanno, revealed to the UN Conference on Disarmament in Geneva that the U.S. government possesses evidence of these tests, including preparations for tests with yields in the hundreds of tonnes. DiNanno specifically cited a yield-producing nuclear test conducted on June 22, 2020. The accusation comes as the U.S. pushes for three-way nuclear arms talks with Russia and China following the expiration of the New START treaty.

Key Points:

  • The U.S. accused China of conducting secret nuclear explosive tests.
  • The U.S. claims China conducted a yield-producing nuclear test on June 22, 2020.
  • The accusation was made by U.S. Under Secretary of State for Arms Control, Thomas DiNanno, at the UN Conference on Disarmament in Geneva.
  • The U.S. alleges China used “decoupling” to conceal its nuclear testing activities.
  • The accusation coincides with the expiration of the New START treaty and U.S. calls for trilateral arms talks with Russia and China.
  • China has rejected joining disarmament negotiations “at this stage”.

Critical Analysis:
The U.S. accusation against China should be viewed in the context of the recently expired New START treaty between the U.S. and Russia. The U.S. is attempting to bring China to the table for nuclear arms negotiations and accusing China of violating test ban treaties is a tool of diplomatic pressure. Trump had previously expressed interest in resuming nuclear testing and had also hinted at such accusations late last year.

Key Takeaways:

  • The U.S. is escalating pressure on China regarding its nuclear program.
  • The timing of the accusation is strategically linked to the expiration of the New START treaty and the push for trilateral arms talks.
  • Accusations could further strain U.S.-China relations, already tense due to trade and geopolitical competition.
  • The U.S. may be seeking to justify its own potential resumption of nuclear testing.

Impact Analysis:
The accusation, if substantiated, could have significant long-term implications.

  • Arms Race: It could lead to a renewed global arms race, particularly if the U.S. follows through on resuming its own nuclear testing.
  • Diplomatic Relations: It will likely exacerbate tensions between the U.S. and China, impacting cooperation on other global issues such as climate change and trade.
  • International Security: It could undermine the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and encourage other nations to pursue nuclear weapons programs.

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