China Suspected of Secret Nuclear Tests 0 10

American intelligence agencies claim that China is secretly conducting tests of next-generation nuclear weapons and is striving to radically modernize its arsenal. This is reported by CNN, citing informed sources in intelligence.

According to the sources, at least one secret test took place in June 2020 at the Lop Nur test site, despite a self-imposed moratorium on nuclear testing since 1996.

U.S. intelligence officials believe that China is developing multiple-warhead missiles and low-yield tactical nuclear weapons for potential use in regional conflicts, particularly in scenarios involving the defense of Taiwan. Such modernization brings Beijing closer to the level of Russia and the U.S. and creates potential new opportunities for the use of nuclear weapons in crisis situations.

Chinese representatives deny the accusations, calling them "political manipulation" and "baseless." In response to a CNN inquiry, a representative of the Chinese embassy in Washington stated that the country adheres to a policy of "no first use" and a moratorium on testing.

American experts believe that the rapid expansion and modernization of China's nuclear forces demonstrate Beijing's ambitions regarding strategic competition with the U.S. and the necessity to ensure the reliability of its own arsenal. The disclosure of details about the 2020 tests comes amid U.S. diplomatic efforts to engage China in new arms control agreements and to curb nuclear expansion.

China is actively constructing hidden nuclear complexes in remote mountain valleys in the southwestern province of Sichuan. According to The New York Times, one of the key sites attracting attention is the Jitong Valley, where Chinese engineers are building new bunkers and protective embankments.

Satellite data shows numerous pipes indicating work with highly hazardous materials – likely, conventional explosives that are used as detonators in nuclear warheads.