The United States has presented new evidence alleging that China has secretly conducted small-scale nuclear tests, as reported by the Wall Street Journal. This accusation stems from information collected by a seismic monitoring station in Kazakhstan that detected an event measuring 2.75 on the Richter scale on June 22, 2020. U.S. officials assert that this event indicates a clandestine nuclear test by China, which has a long history of nuclear activities at its primary test site near Lop Nur in Northwest China.

The timing of these allegations coincides with increasing pressure from the Donald Trump administration on Beijing to participate in potential arms control negotiations alongside the United States and Russia. The concerns regarding nuclear weapon limitations have become particularly urgent amid a global climate of heightened military tensions and the desire for accountability in nuclear disarmament efforts. U.S. officials, including Assistant Secretary of State Christopher Yeaw, have voiced their suspicions regarding China's compliance with international nuclear testing bans.

China, in response to these accusations, has firmly denied any allegations of conducting nuclear tests, insisting that it adheres strictly to the international agreements that prohibit such activities. The divergence in perspectives on nuclear testing between the two countries has implications for future arms control discussions and the broader geopolitical landscape, as both nations navigate their contentious relationship amidst global security challenges.