US reveals new details of alleged Chinese nuclear test

The United States has revealed new details about an alleged Chinese nuclear test that may have taken place in June 2020. According to U.S. officials, a seismic signal was detected near China’s Lop Nur test site. They claim that this signal looks more like an explosion than a natural earthquake or a mining blast.

U.S. officials stated that seismic data from monitoring stations, including one located outside China, showed unusual characteristics. Based on their analysis, they argued that the signal could be linked to a low-yield nuclear test. They also suggested that special techniques might have been used to reduce the strength of seismic waves, which would make detection more difficult.

However, international monitoring bodies said that while small seismic events were recorded on that day, there is not enough evidence to prove that a nuclear test took place. They explained that the available data cannot clearly confirm the nature of the event.

China strongly rejected the accusations. Chinese officials said the claims are not true and described them as politically motivated. They stated that China follows its international obligations and does not conduct secret nuclear tests.

This development is important because it comes at a time when global nuclear arms control agreements are weakening. The allegations have increased tensions between major powers and raised new concerns about transparency, trust, and the future of nuclear weapons control.

Reuters https://www.reuters.com/world/china/us-reveals-new-details-alleged-chinese-nuclear-test-2026-02-17/