US EditionUS intelligence agencies tie Chinese explosive test to push for a completely new nuclear arsenal
U.S. intelligence says China’s 2020 covert nuclear test at Lop Nur aims to modernize its arsenal and expand to 1,500 warheads by 2035, doubling current estimates.
- On June 22, 2020, US intelligence agencies concluded China conducted a covert explosive nuclear test at the Lop Nur facility, part of efforts to develop next-generation nuclear weapons and transform its arsenal.
- Driven by concerns over warhead reliability, US officials say China’s limited nuclear testing record motivates its push for next-generation and low‑yield tactical nuclear weapons.
- A seismic station in Kazakhstan recorded a magnitude 2.75 explosion about 450 miles from Lop Nur, with analysts noting possible decoupling to mask the underground detonation.
- One day after the New START treaty expired, the U.S. State Department disclosed details to press China into arms‑control talks, with Liu Pengyu denying US claims and suggesting testing moratorium remains.
- US estimates show China’s nuclear arsenal could grow from 600 warheads to 1500 by 2035, while US officials warned tests with yields in the hundreds of tons would violate the CTBT.
32 Articles
32 Articles
Sydney Morning Herald
The AgeUS claims China conducting secret tests in race for nuclear superiority
China wants to expand its arsenal of 600 nuclear warheads to 1500 by 2035, according to official US estimates, just as the last remaining nuclear treaty between the US and Russia has expired.
US intelligence says China developing new generation of nuclear weapons, conducted covert explosive test: Report
US officials reportedly believe China’s nuclear expansion is narrowing the gap with the United States and Russia, potentially leading to advanced capabilities not currently possessed by either power.
CNN has learned about this.
By Zachary Cohen and Kylie Atwood, CNN U.S. intelligence agencies believe that China is developing a new generation of nuclear weapons and has carried out at least one covert explosive test in recent years as part of a broader drive to completely transform its arsenal into the most technologically advanced in the world, according to multiple sources familiar with the assessments.The U.S. assessment of China's intention to radically develop its n…
US intelligence agencies tie Chinese explosive test to push for a completely new nuclear arsenal
US intelligence agencies believe that China is developing a new generation of nuclear weapons and has conducted at least one covert explosive test in recent years as part of a broader push to completely transform its nuclear arsenal into the world’s most technologically advanced, according to multiple sources familiar with the US intelligence assessments.
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