US Accuses China of Secret Nuclear Test

The United States accused China of conducting a secret nuclear test on June 22, 2020, using 'decoupling' to conceal the activity. This accusation was made at a global disarmament conference, highlighting severe tensions between the United States and China. China denied the allegations, stating it acts prudently on nuclear issues and opposes the United States' 'false narratives.' The event occurred a day after the 2010 New START treaty, which limited strategic missile and warhead deployments between the United States and Russia, expired. United States President Donald Trump seeks a new, broader arms control agreement that includes China, which is rapidly expanding its nuclear arsenal. However, China has reiterated its refusal to participate in such trilateral negotiations, citing its smaller arsenal compared to the United States and Russia. The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty stated its monitoring system did not detect the alleged Chinese test. Security analysts warn that the absence of binding constraints on nuclear arsenals could lead to a more dangerous environment and an arms race, with the United States and Russia potentially increasing their arsenals as China plays catch-up. Russia has expressed willingness for dialogue with the United States but insists on including NATO allies like the United Kingdom and France in negotiations.