U.S. Accusations of China's Covert Nuclear Testing Amidst Regional Tensions

The United States has accused China of conducting a covert nuclear explosive test on June 22, 2020, shortly after the deadly Galwan Valley clash between Indian and Chinese troops, which resulted in the deaths of 20 Indian soldiers and an undisclosed number of Chinese casualties. U.S. Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security, Thomas DiNanno, stated that China has engaged in nuclear explosive testing activities, including preparations for tests with yields in the hundreds of tons. He claimed that China utilized a technique known as "decoupling" to obscure the seismic signals of these tests, thereby evading international monitoring systems.

China Conducted Secret Nuclear Test After Galwan Clash, Claims USSouth China Morning PostChina conducted 'secret nuclear test' days after Galwan clash, says US

In response to these allegations, China has firmly rejected the U.S. claims, labeling them as "outright lies" and an attempt to justify a potential return to U.S. nuclear testing. Chinese officials, including foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian, accused the U.S. of distorting China's nuclear policy and exaggerating threats. China's ambassador on disarmament, Shen Jian, emphasized that Beijing has always acted responsibly regarding nuclear issues and criticized the U.S. for escalating tensions in the arms race.

China denies US secret nuclear test claimsChina conducted 'secret nuclear test' days after Galwan clash, says USSouth China Morning Post

The timing of the U.S. accusations coincides with the expiration of the New START treaty, which previously capped U.S. and Russian nuclear arsenals. With this treaty now lapsed, concerns have arisen regarding a potential arms race among nuclear powers, particularly as China is believed to be rapidly modernizing its nuclear capabilities. The U.S. projects that China's nuclear arsenal could exceed 1,000 warheads by 2030, while China maintains it possesses around 600 warheads.

China conducted 'secret nuclear test' days after Galwan clash, says USChina denies US secret nuclear test claims

The allegations of nuclear testing have significant implications for regional security, particularly for India, which has been closely monitoring China's military posture following the Galwan clash. Analysts warn that if the U.S. claims are substantiated, it could indicate a major shift in China's strategic posture, directly impacting deterrence dynamics in the region. The ongoing military buildup along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) between India and China further complicates the security landscape.

China Conducted Secret Nuclear Test After Galwan Clash, Claims US

Critics of the U.S. allegations argue that they may exacerbate tensions between Washington and Beijing, as well as complicate existing arms control frameworks. The U.S. has called for renewed multilateral discussions on nuclear arms control, but China has declined to participate in trilateral negotiations at this time. Experts caution that the situation underscores the need for a revamped global nuclear framework that addresses contemporary threats rather than relying on outdated Cold War-era agreements.

China conducted 'secret nuclear test' days after Galwan clash, says US

The issue is expected to be a focal point in upcoming discussions at the United Nations and other international forums, as the U.S. seeks to strengthen cooperation on nuclear monitoring and arms control. The evolving dynamics of nuclear capabilities among major powers will likely continue to shape the geopolitical landscape in the Indo-Pacific region.

China Conducted Secret Nuclear Test After Galwan Clash, Claims US

• “The United States has persistently distorted and smeared China’s nuclear policy,” — Lin Jian, Foreign Ministry Spokesman

South China Morning Post

• “China has used ‘decoupling’, a method to decrease the effectiveness of seismic monitoring, to hide its activities from the world.” — Thomas DiNanno, U.S. Under Secretary of State for Arms Control

South China Morning Post