Sun Feb 08 08:40:00 UTC 2026: ### Headline: US Accuses China of Secret Nuclear Test, Calls for Expanded Arms Control Treaty

The Story:
The United States has accused China of conducting a secret, low-yield nuclear test on June 22, 2020. This allegation, revealed by Undersecretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Thomas DiNanno, coincides with the expiration of the New START Treaty between the US and Russia, leaving the world’s largest nuclear powers without treaty-based limits on their arsenals. The Trump administration, according to the article, had been advocating for a broader nuclear weapons agreement that includes both China and Russia, citing concerns over Beijing’s expanding nuclear capabilities.

Key Points:

  • The US alleges China conducted a low-yield nuclear test on June 22, 2020.
  • The accusation was made by Thomas DiNanno at a disarmament conference in Vienna.
  • The US claims China used “decoupling” to conceal the test.
  • The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) states its system did not detect any event consistent with a nuclear weapon test explosion on that date.
  • The New START Treaty between the US and Russia has lapsed, removing limits on their nuclear arsenals.
  • The US is calling for a new arms control treaty that includes China.
  • China denies the allegations and reaffirms its commitment to its “no first use” policy and the nuclear testing moratorium.
  • Russia withdrew its ratification in 2023 of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT).

Critical Analysis:

The timing of the US accusation, coinciding with the lapse of the New START Treaty, suggests a strategic move to pressure China into trilateral arms control negotiations with the US and Russia. The US may be attempting to leverage the perceived threat of its own nuclear modernization to compel Beijing to the negotiating table. China has consistently resisted such negotiations, citing its smaller nuclear arsenal compared to the US and Russia.

Key Takeaways:

  • The US-China relationship continues to be strained, particularly in the realm of nuclear arms control.
  • The future of nuclear arms control is uncertain, with the lapse of the New START Treaty and China’s resistance to trilateral negotiations.
  • Verification of alleged low-yield nuclear tests remains challenging, as demonstrated by the conflicting reports from the US and the CTBTO.
  • The US is using a combination of public accusations and potential arsenal expansion to put pressure on China to engage in arms control talks.
  • The historical context reveals this accusation has high relevance on international policy.

Impact Analysis:

This event could escalate tensions between the US and China, potentially leading to a renewed arms race. The failure to establish a new arms control framework could destabilize the global security environment. This event series also highlights the limitations of current international monitoring systems in detecting low-yield nuclear tests, raising concerns about clandestine nuclear activities. If this is the beginning of a trend, it will certainly reshape the international order.

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