A senior US official’s claim that China conducted a series of clandestine nuclear tests in 2020 has been met with skepticism by an international monitor, who has found no evidence to support the allegations.
US Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Thomas DiNanno made the claims about China at a United Nations disarmament conference in Geneva, Switzerland, on Friday. However, an international monitor has stated that they have seen no evidence to corroborate DiNanno’s assertions, which were made just days after a nuclear treaty with Russia expired.
The monitor’s comments come as the US is seeking to negotiate a new nuclear arms control treaty with China, following the expiration of the New START accord between the US and Russia. The US has accused China of violating nuclear test ban treaties and has called on Beijing to join a new treaty.
However, the international monitor has cast doubt on the US claims, stating that there is no concrete evidence to support the allegations of clandestine nuclear tests. The monitor’s comments are likely to be seen as a setback for the US efforts to pressure China into negotiating a new nuclear arms control treaty.
The US claims about China’s nuclear activities have been met with skepticism by many in the international community, who have questioned the evidence behind the allegations. The lack of concrete evidence to support the claims is likely to raise questions about the US motives and the accuracy of its intelligence.
The situation is further complicated by the fact that the US has a history of making similar claims about China’s nuclear activities, which have been subsequently found to be unfounded. The international community is likely to be cautious in its response to the US claims, and may demand more concrete evidence before taking any action.
In the meantime, the US is likely to continue to pressure China to negotiate a new nuclear arms control treaty, using the alleged clandestine nuclear tests as a pretext. However, the lack of evidence to support the claims is likely to undermine the US efforts to build international support for its position.