China Denies US Claims of Secret Nuclear Tests
Beijing has strongly refuted accusations from the United States that it has conducted secret nuclear explosive tests, labeling the allegations as 'completely groundless and outright lies'. The denial came from China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday, February 9, 2026, following claims made by a senior US official at the UN Conference on Disarmament in Geneva.
US Alleges Covert Testing and Preparations
The accusations were put forth by Thomas DiNanno, the US Under Secretary of State for Arms Control, during the conference on Friday, February 6, 2026. DiNanno specifically alleged that China carried out a 'yield-producing nuclear test' on June 22, 2020, and is preparing for additional tests 'with massive yields'. He further claimed that China has interfered with international seismic monitoring systems to conceal prior detonations and cited concerns over Chinese yield-producing tests at China's Lop Nur test site since at least 2019, suggesting preparations for tests using 'decoupling' techniques.
Beijing Accuses Washington of Fabricating Pretexts
In its robust response, China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that it 'firmly opposes the US attempt to fabricate excuses for its own restarting of nuclear tests' and urged the United States to 'immediately stop its irresponsible actions'. China maintains that it adheres to a policy of no first use of nuclear weapons, pursues a self-defensive nuclear strategy, and faithfully observes its commitment to suspending nuclear tests.
Geopolitical Context: Expired Treaty and US Intentions
These escalating tensions occur in the wake of the New START treaty's expiration on February 4, 2026. This treaty, which limited deployed strategic nuclear warheads and delivery systems between the US and Russia, was the last major arms control agreement between the two nuclear powers. DiNanno's comments were made as he presented a new US proposal for three-way talks with Russia and China to establish new limits on nuclear weapons.
The US accusations also follow statements from US President Donald Trump in October and December 2025, where he indicated that Washington would resume nuclear weapons testing 'on an equal basis' with Moscow and Beijing. He had instructed the Pentagon to prepare for such a resumption, which would mark the first time the US has conducted a full-scale nuclear weapons test since 1992. Both the US and China have signed, but not ratified, the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT), while Russia withdrew its ratification in 2023.
5 Comments
Bermudez
China's denial is expected, but the US providing specific dates and methods makes it harder to dismiss entirely. The expiration of the New START treaty certainly adds to global instability and mistrust.
Africa
Typical US warmongering. Always pointing fingers to distract from their own issues.
Coccinella
It's concerning if China is secretly testing, but the US also appears to be creating a pretext for its own tests. We need verifiable evidence from independent bodies, not just political finger-pointing from either nation.
ZmeeLove
While the US accusations against China raise valid concerns about nuclear proliferation, Washington's own stated intent to resume testing undermines its credibility. It's hard to trust either side's claims fully.
Habibi
China's no-first-use policy speaks volumes. The US is being hypocritical here.