No evidence to support US claim China conducted nuclear blast test: Monitor | Nuclear Weapons News
U.S. Urges China to Join New Nuclear Treaty as New START Accord Expires
By [Author Name]
Published February 7, 2026
GENEVA, Switzerland — The United States is calling on China to participate in a new nuclear weapons treaty following the expiration of the New START agreement between the U.S. and Russia. During a United Nations disarmament conference on Friday, U.S. Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Thomas DiNanno made a series of allegations regarding China’s nuclear activities.
DiNanno asserted that the U.S. government possesses information indicating that China conducted nuclear explosive tests in 2020 and has concealed these actions in violation of international test ban treaties. “I can reveal that the U.S. government is aware that China has conducted nuclear explosive tests, including preparing for tests with designated yields in the hundreds of tonnes,” he stated during the conference.
These claims were made just days after the New START treaty lapsed. DiNanno emphasized the urgency for a revised framework for nuclear arms control, citing a growing global nuclear threat. “New START was signed in 2010 and its limits on warheads and launchers are no longer relevant in 2026,” he noted, referring to expanding nuclear arsenals in several nations.
In response, Robert Floyd, executive secretary of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization, stated the organization’s monitoring system had found no evidence supporting DiNanno’s claims. Floyd reiterated that data analysis over the past several years does not indicate any nuclear weapon test explosions matching the characteristics of what was alleged.
China’s ambassador for disarmament, Shen Jian, did not directly address the accusations but defended his country’s nuclear policies. “We firmly oppose this false narrative and reject the U.S.’s unfounded accusations,” Shen remarked. He emphasized that China has consistently adhered to its commitment not to conduct nuclear tests.
Diplomats at the conference expressed concern over the U.S. allegations, marking them as unprecedented. Both the U.S. and China signed the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, but neither has fully ratified it. Russia, which did ratify the treaty, withdrew its ratification in 2023.
Earlier comments from U.S. President Donald Trump revealed intentions for the U.S. military to prepare for potential nuclear tests, with a goal of matching the nuclear testing capabilities of China and Russia. While Trump has expressed a desire for China to participate in future nuclear agreements, Beijing has shown minimal interest in these discussions.
The implications of these developments are significant for international security and the future of nuclear arms control.
