China firmly denied US accusations of conducting secret nuclear explosive tests, calling the claims “outright lies” and accusing Washington of trying to justify its own nuclear ambitions.
At the UN Conference on Disarmament in Geneva, US Under Secretary of State for Arms Control Thomas DiNanno alleged that China conducted tests, including one on June 22, 2020, and suggested the country was preparing for further tests with massive yields.
Responding, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated, “The US allegations are completely groundless and are outright lies. China firmly opposes the US attempt to fabricate excuses for its own restarting of nuclear tests.” The ministry also urged the United States to “immediately stop its irresponsible actions.”
The accusations come amid US discussions on renewing nuclear testing. In October, former US President Donald Trump mentioned plans to resume nuclear tests “on an equal basis” with Moscow and Beijing, though details were not specified.
DiNanno’s statements coincided with a new US proposal for trilateral talks with Russia and China to establish limits on nuclear weapons following the expiration of the New START treaty, the last major arms control agreement between Washington and Moscow. China has already declined to join disarmament negotiations “at this stage.”
The dispute highlights ongoing tensions over nuclear capabilities and global arms control, as the major powers navigate the post-New START era.
