With our correspondent in Beijing, Clea Broadhurst
The United States claims to have evidence suggesting that a clandestine nuclear test may have been carried out by China. According to Washington, a seismic signal detected in June 2020 near the Lop Nor site in western China corresponds to a low-power nuclear explosion.
American authorities believe that the recorded data does not correspond to an earthquake or any known mining activity. They suggest the hypothesis of a deliberately discreet test, possibly designed to evade international monitoring and verification mechanisms.
Beijing categorically rejects these accusations and accuses Washington of distorting facts to justify its own nuclear strategy. From the perspective of international experts, caution prevails: the observed seismic signals are considered too weak to confirm with certainty that it was a nuclear test, given the lack of sufficient technical elements.
Beyond scientific or technical analysis, the issue is part of a broader context of questioning the disarmament framework. This comes as the latest major treaty limiting the strategic arsenals of the main nuclear powers has expired, leaving a gap in arms control.
In this climate, Washington now mentions the possibility of resuming its own nuclear tests, in the name of strategic balance. This perspective fuels the concerns of many analysts, who warn of a rise in mistrust and the tangible risk of escalation between nuclear powers.
Read also: Are we heading towards a nuclear escalation?
