U.S. Accuses China of Secret Test; Calls Broader Talks
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United States officials accused China of conducting a secret nuclear explosive test in 2020 and urged broader multilateral arms-control talks after the New START treaty expired this week. U.S. Under Secretary Thomas DiNanno said one yield-producing test occurred on June 22, 2020, and asserted attempts to obfuscate seismic signals. Secretary of State Marco Rubio pledged a modernized, credible U.S. nuclear deterrent and called for multilateral negotiations including all major nuclear powers. The announcements followed the lapse of the U.S.-Russia New START accord and calls for expanded verification and international strategic stability mechanisms. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.
More context
Timeline
- 1. June 22, 2020 — U.S. official alleges China conducted a yield-producing explosive test.
- 2. Early February 2026 — The New START treaty between the U.S. and Russia expires.
- 3. Feb 6, 2026 — U.S. Under Secretary Thomas DiNanno presents allegations at a disarmament conference.
- 4. Feb 6–7, 2026 — Secretary Marco Rubio and other officials call for multilateral talks and pledge a modernized deterrent.
- 5. Feb 7, 2026 — International media publish coverage and governments respond with calls for negotiation or verification.
Sources
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