US accuses China of secret nuclear tests
Illustrative photo: US accuses China of conducting secret nuclear tests
The United States accuses China of conducting secret nuclear tests at the Lop Nur test site, despite an existing international ban. Beijing is reportedly using special methods to mask seismic signals to conceal the development of advanced weapons, The Washington Post reports.
Evidence of secret tests
According to the US State Department, China conducted a series of tests "with designated yields in the hundreds of tons." US intelligence recorded a specific incident on June 22, 2020: seismic stations detected tremors measuring magnitude 2.75, which, according to patterns, clearly correspond to a nuclear test.
Deputy Secretary of State Thomas DiNanno stated that Beijing uses a "decoupling" method — conducting explosions in underground chambers to reduce seismic effects. This allows them to circumvent the monitoring system of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization, which technically cannot identify explosions with a yield of less than 500 tons.
China’s nuclear expansion
Analysts note that China has become the fastest-growing nuclear power in the world. In addition to suspected tests, Beijing is actively building silos for intercontinental ballistic missiles, the number of which has already exceeded US figures.
Unlike during the Cold War, China’s current arsenal is designed not only for deterrence but also for potential nuclear warfare. At the same time, China categorically refuses to negotiate arms control or transparency regarding its test sites.
The US has not conducted nuclear tests since 1992. President Donald Trump previously stated that if Russia and China continue to upgrade their arsenals outside of agreements, the United States would be forced to resume active testing to ensure its own security.
Nuclear threat from Russia
Russia is demonstrating the fastest growth in nuclear capabilities since the Cold War and is expanding its military presence near NATO borders. These steps indicate Moscow’s preparation for a prolonged confrontation with the Alliance.
In response to Russia’s aggressive actions, Finland is strengthening national security measures, including through a specialized center that monitors Russia's activity and counters hybrid threats.
