A significant revelation from the United States recently disclosed that China might have conducted a covert nuclear test in 2020, an event that coincided closely with the violent clash between China and India at Galwan Valley. This allegation was made by US Under Secretary of State Thomas DiNanno during a disarmament conference in Geneva. The timing of the test is especially noteworthy as it occurred just seven days after the Galwan clash, which escalated tensions between the two nations during a time when the world was grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic.

DiNanno described the nuclear test as an attempt by China to evade the detection of global monitoring agencies, suggesting that they utilized secretive methods to conduct the test on June 22, 2020. The implications of this allegation are significant, particularly considering the geopolitical landscape; the US-Russia arms control treaty had expired shortly before these statements were made, and there were discussions about including China in future nuclear treaties. This accusation not only raises questions about China's commitment to nuclear transparency but also complicates the already tense relations among these major powers.

In the broader context, the claim adds to the existing narrative of mistrust between China and the US, particularly in the wake of ongoing strategic rivalries. The disclosure serves as a reminder of the checklist of geopolitical tensions, nuclear issues, and pandemic management, illustrating how military actions and global health crises intersect. It remains to be seen how this claim will affect international relations moving forward, especially concerning arms control and diplomatic outreach involving China, the US, and India amid the backdrop of their tense military engagements.