The recent dialogue surrounding nuclear disarmament has shifted dramatically, particularly with the expiration of the New START treaty between the United States and Russia. In this evolving geopolitical landscape, Washington has called upon Beijing to engage in new arms control agreements, raising allegations of clandestine nuclear tests purportedly conducted by China. This situation invites critical examination, not only of the claims being made but also of the implications for international security and diplomatic relations.
An international monitoring organization has reported no evidence to support allegations made by a senior United States official, who claimed that China executed a series of covert nuclear tests in 2020 while evading nuclear test ban treaties. At a United Nations disarmament conference held in Geneva, Switzerland, on February 7, 2026, US Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security, Thomas DiNanno, voiced these allegations, coinciding with the expiration of the New START treaty with Russia.
According to DiNanno, the US government has evidence suggesting that China conducted nuclear explosive tests, with preparations for tests that could yield hundreds of tonnes of explosive power. He asserted, “China sought to conceal testing by obfuscating the nuclear explosions, recognizing these tests violate test ban commitments,” claiming one such yield-producing nuclear test occurred on June 22, 2020. DiNanno further emphasized the need for an updated framework for nuclear weapons control agreements in light of the current global security landscape, stating that the limitations set by New START, signed in 2010, are no longer sufficient.
However, Robert Floyd, the executive secretary of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization, countered these claims. He stated that their monitoring systems did not detect any events indicative of a nuclear weapon test explosion during the time of the alleged Chinese test, maintaining that this assessment was consistent even after detailed re-examinations.
In response to the allegations, China’s ambassador on nuclear disarmament, Shen Jian, refrained from directly addressing DiNanno’s claims but characterized China’s approach to nuclear issues as prudent and responsible. He criticized the US for distorting China’s national defense capacity and described America’s actions regarding nuclear arms control as the most significant threat to international security. Shen reinforced this narrative on social media, asserting that China consistently honors its moratorium on nuclear testing.
Despite the ongoing tensions, the diplomatic community has acknowledged that the allegations presented by the US are concerning and warrant careful attention. Notably, both the United States and China have signed but not ratified the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, which prohibits explosive nuclear tests. Meanwhile, Russia, which previously ratified the treaty, withdrew its ratification in 2023.
Former US President Donald Trump had previously indicated a desire for the US military to prepare for a resumption of nuclear tests, citing that other nations were conducting such tests but offering no detailed knowledge of these activities. He articulated a goal of resuming nuclear testing on “an equal basis” with both Moscow and Beijing, though specifics remained unclear. Moreover, Trump expressed a desire for China to participate in any future nuclear treaty discussions, although Beijing has shown little enthusiasm toward such proposals.
As these developments continue to unfold, the global community watches closely, understanding that the future of nuclear arms control is not only vital for national security but also for the maintenance of international stability.
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