US Reveals Details of Alleged Chinese Nuclear Test, Calls for Disarmament

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A U.S. State Department official has provided new details about an alleged Chinese underground nuclear test that occurred nearly six years ago, and called on other countries to pressure China and Russia to do more on nuclear disarmament. The official's comments come after the expiration of the last nuclear arms control treaty between the U.S. and Russia, raising concerns about a potential new arms race.

Why it matters

The U.S. allegations about a Chinese nuclear test, if true, would represent a significant development in global nuclear proliferation and could heighten tensions between the U.S. and China. The expiration of the U.S.-Russia nuclear treaty also removes key limits on the world's two largest nuclear arsenals, potentially fueling a new arms race if countries do not make progress on disarmament.

The details

Christopher Yeaw, the U.S. assistant secretary of state for arms control and nonproliferation, provided what he described as new, declassified details about the alleged Chinese nuclear test during a speech to a U.N.-backed body. Yeaw did not provide specifics on the timing or location of the test, but said it occurred underground nearly six years ago. The U.S. is now calling on other countries to pressure both China and Russia to do more to reduce their nuclear stockpiles and advance global disarmament efforts.

• The alleged Chinese nuclear test occurred nearly six years ago.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The U.S. is calling on other countries to pressure both China and Russia to do more to reduce their nuclear stockpiles and advance global disarmament efforts.