Nuclear weapons of new generation: China conducts cover test — CNN
China's leader Xi Jinping (photo: Getty Images)
China develops nuclear weapons of a new generation and has conducted at least one secret explosive test in recent years as part of its arsenal modernization, CNN reported.
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Sources familiar with US intelligence assessments say China's investment in its nuclear arsenal is bringing it closer to achieving parity with Russia and the United States. These investments could give Beijing technical capabilities currently unmatched by either of the two leading nuclear powers.
According to sources, China secretly conducted a nuclear test in June 2020 at the Lop Nur test site in the country's northwest, despite a moratorium on such activities in place since 1996. Further tests were reportedly planned.
"While the 2020 test was disclosed publicly by US State Department officials this month, the purpose of the test has not been previously revealed," CNN reported.
The sources report that evidence collected during the analysis of the June 2020 incident allowed US officials to conclude that the test was driven by China's ambition to develop next-generation nuclear weapons.
"That includes efforts to develop additional weapons systems capable of delivering multiple, miniaturized nuclear warheads from a single missile," the statement says.
In addition, China appears to be developing low-yield tactical nuclear weapons—something the country has never produced before.
Sources say these weapons could be used against targets closer to China's territory, including scenarios in which Beijing responds to a potential US defense of Taiwan.
Extra information
US intelligence agencies had previously reported that China was rapidly expanding its nuclear facilities, and analysts suspected new technologies were in development.
Officials now believe there is strong evidence supporting this theory, based in part on information obtained during the 2020 test.
"A 2024 report from the US Defense Intelligence Agency also noted that China is seeking to revamp its nuclear arsenal with the US in mind," CNN added.
China's embassy in Washington dismissed these assessments, accusing the US of "distorting and smearing" country's nuclear policy.
"This is political manipulation aimed at pursuing nuclear hegemony and evading its own nuclear disarmament responsibilities… US allegation about China conducting a nuclear test are entirely unfounded," said spokesperson Liu Pengyu.
China has maintained a nuclear arsenal since 1964. The country produces warheads faster than any other in the world, although China's arsenal is still much smaller than that of Russia and the US, which continue to hold the lion's share of the world's nuclear weapons.
China's nuclear tests
Recently, US Assistant Secretary of State Christopher Yeaw stated there is no reason to believe the June 22, 2020, explosion in China was a mine or earthquake.
According to him, the explosion matched what would be expected from a nuclear device test.
The Wall Street Journal also reported a recent scandal within China's military leadership, suggesting that General Zhang Youxia, Xi Jinping's ally, allegedly passed confidential information about China's nuclear weapons program to the United States.
