China Denies US Claims of Secret Nuclear Tests

BEIJING: (Web Desk) – China on Monday strongly denied US allegations that it had conducted secret nuclear explosive tests, calling the claims “outright lies” and accusing Washington of using them to justify its own nuclear activities.

The dispute emerged after Thomas DiNanno, US Under Secretary of State for Arms Control, told the UN Conference on Disarmament in Geneva on Friday that China had conducted nuclear tests, including one on 22 June 2020, and was reportedly preparing for more tests with large yields.

In response, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement to AFP, saying: “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 Washington to “immediately stop its irresponsible actions.”

US President Donald Trump had previously indicated in October that Washington would resume nuclear testing “on an equal basis” with Moscow and Beijing, though he did not specify the type of tests under consideration.

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DiNanno’s remarks coincided with the release of a new US proposal calling for trilateral talks with Russia and China to establish fresh limits on nuclear arsenals, following the expiration of the New START treaty—the last remaining arms control agreement between Washington and Moscow—which expired last Thursday.

China has reiterated its refusal to participate in disarmament negotiations “at this stage,” maintaining its stance against renewed nuclear discussions.