US Ready to Resume Nuclear Testing

The United States is preparing to resume low-yield nuclear tests, ending a decades-old moratorium, in response to alleged secret nuclear explosions by China and Russia. Christopher Yeaw, assistant secretary of state for arms control and nonproliferation, stated that the United States would return to testing on an 'equal basis,' echoing earlier remarks by Donald Trump. The expiration of the New START treaty, which limited nuclear warhead deployment between the United States and Russia, has further exacerbated tensions. The United States has accused China of conducting a low-yield nuclear test in 2020, citing seismic data from Kazakhstan, an accusation China vehemently denies. Russia has also faced similar accusations. The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization, however, reported no detection of a nuclear weapon test, though its systems have limitations for very low-yield explosions. This development marks a potential shift towards a renewed nuclear arms race and increased global instability.