US Alleges China's 2020 Nuclear Test
Analysis based on 17 articles · First reported Feb 23, 2026 · Last updated Feb 23, 2026
The expiration of the New START treaty and the alleged nuclear buildup by China could lead to increased geopolitical instability, potentially impacting defense sector investments and commodity prices. The lack of transparency and arms control agreements between major nuclear powers like the United States, China, and Russia creates uncertainty in global markets.
A U.S. official, Christopher Yeaw, has revealed new, declassified details of an alleged Chinese underground nuclear test from June 22, 2020, at the Lop Nur site. This announcement comes after the expiration of the New START treaty between the United States and Russia, which previously limited their nuclear arsenals. The United States is urging China and Russia to engage more in nuclear disarmament, expressing concerns about China's rapid and opaque expansion of its nuclear arsenal, which is projected to reach over 1,000 warheads by 2030. China, through its ambassador Jian Shen, vehemently denies these accusations, calls them unfounded, and rejects demands for three-way nuclear arms control talks, citing its smaller arsenal compared to the United States and Russia. The event highlights growing tensions and a potential new arms race among the world's major nuclear powers.
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