The United States has accused China of conducting a “yield-producing nuclear test” in 2020. Assistant Secretary of State Christopher Yeaw stated that China’s test occurred near the Lop Nur site on June 22, 2020. Yeaw highlighted China’s use of decoupling to obscure its activities from global scrutiny.
Yeaw mentioned seismic data indicating a 2.75 magnitude event at a Kazakhstan monitoring station. He emphasized the challenge in determining the exact yield due to China’s decoupling methods. Despite China’s lack of public acknowledgment, Yeaw criticized Beijing for its opacity and deflection tactics.
Yeaw criticized the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) for favoring China over the US. He expressed concerns over China’s rapid nuclear expansion, describing it as “geometric.” Yeaw underscored the importance of all nuclear-weapon states, including China, engaging in disarmament talks as per the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty.
President Trump aims for a new arms control agreement that involves China in multilateral discussions. Yeaw clarified that any potential return to nuclear testing would not involve large atmospheric tests. He stressed the need for productive discussions with Beijing and Moscow to address these critical issues.
