China Allegedly Conducted Nuclear Test Right After Galwan Clash: U.S. Raises Alarm

The United States has accused China of conducting a secret nuclear test, reportedly carried out immediately after the deadly Galwan Valley clash with India in June 2020. Thomas DiNanno, U.S. Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security, made the allegation at a disarmament conference in Geneva, stating that the U.S. has evidence of a Chinese nuclear explosive test on 22 June 2020. China has not directly responded to these allegations.

Key Highlights:

• The U.S. claims China conducted the nuclear test in secrecy.
• China has not directly responded but has emphasized responsible conduct.
• The disclosure comes at a time when there is no active arms control treaty between Russia and the U.S. for the first time since 2010.

Alleged Secret Nuclear Test by China

The U.S. official highlighted that China’s nuclear test included preparations for explosives with hundreds of tons of yield. According to DiNanno, the Chinese military attempted to conceal these tests using a method called “decoupling,” which reduces the effectiveness of seismic monitoring. He noted that these actions violated China’s “test ban” commitments.

China’s Response

China’s Ambassador for Disarmament, Shen Jian, did not directly refute the U.S. claim but stressed that Beijing always acts “prudently and responsibly” on nuclear issues. He accused the U.S. of exaggerating the so-called Chinese nuclear threat and criticized Washington for fueling a global arms race. Diplomats at the conference called the U.S. allegations “new and concerning.”

U.S. Pushes for New Nuclear Arms Agreement

The 2010 New START treaty, which limited U.S. and Russian strategic missile and warhead deployments, has expired. For the first time in over half a century, the two powers are without binding restrictions on their nuclear arsenals. The U.S. has called for a new treaty that includes China and Russia, aiming to prevent a rapid expansion of nuclear stockpiles. DiNanno warned that by 2030, China is expected to possess over 1,000 nuclear warheads, increasing global nuclear risks.

Implications for India

The alleged Chinese nuclear test has raised concerns in India. The two nations have an ongoing border dispute, with prior clashes and skirmishes, including the deadly Galwan Valley conflict. India currently has around 170 nuclear weapons, while China is projected to have 1,000 by 2030, which could dramatically shift the nuclear balance in the region. An increased Chinese arsenal may allow Beijing to deploy warheads across multiple locations and develop new launch platforms, posing a strategic challenge for India.

The U.S. disclosure underscores the growing urgency of nuclear arms control and regional security in South Asia.