In a significant shift, a senior US official has indicated that the United States is prepared to conduct low-yield nuclear tests, a move that could effectively terminate a decades-long moratorium since 1992. This announcement comes in the wake of rising accusations that China has been conducting secret nuclear tests, prompting concerns about global nuclear stability and the potential resumption of a new arms race. The remarks were made as the New START treaty, which is the last agreement governing nuclear arms control between Washington and Moscow, is set to expire.