China Urges US to Uphold Nuclear Test Moratorium Amid Accusations

Beijing Responds to US Allegations

On Wednesday, February 25, 2026, China's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning called on the United States to uphold its commitment to a moratorium on nuclear tests. The statement was made during a daily press briefing in Beijing, directly addressing recent accusations from the U.S. that China has conducted nuclear explosion tests.

Mao Ning emphasized that the U.S. allegations are 'unsubstantiated and entirely groundless'. She asserted that China consistently supports the objectives of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) and honors the moratorium on nuclear testing, a commitment shared by the five nuclear-weapon states.

US Accusations and Stance on Testing

The Chinese remarks followed accusations from U.S. officials, including Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Thomas DiNanno (also referred to as Christopher Yeaw in some reports), who claimed that China had conducted a nuclear explosive test. Specifically, the U.S. pointed to a 2.75-magnitude explosion detected underground in China on June 22, 2020, suggesting it was a low-yield nuclear event. U.S. officials also indicated that the U.S. would consider resuming nuclear testing 'on an equal basis' if China was indeed testing.

Furthermore, the U.S. has accused China of 'massively expanding' its nuclear arsenal and has called for China to be included in future arms control treaties, particularly after the expiration of the New START treaty between the U.S. and Russia on February 5, 2026.

China's Call for International Credibility

Mao Ning criticized the U.S. for what she described as 'framing and smears' against other countries to evade its international arms control obligations. She warned that such actions would 'seriously dent its own credibility' and undermine global arms control efforts. China urged the U.S. to 'abide by the moratorium on nuclear testing, uphold the global consensus on nuclear test ban, and stop finding false justification for resuming nuclear testing'.

This diplomatic exchange highlights ongoing tensions and differing perspectives on nuclear arms control and non-proliferation between the two global powers, particularly in the wake of the New START treaty's expiration and renewed discussions about nuclear testing.