politics
February 19, 2026
US Ramps Up Nuclear Claims Against China
The US has reiterated claims that the Chinese allegedly carried out an underground nuclear test in 2020
TL;DR
- A senior US State Department official claims fresh intelligence indicates China conducted an underground nuclear explosive test in June 2020.
- The official cited seismic data, described as "quite consistent with what you would expect from a nuclear explosive test."
- The seismic event registered was a minor 2.75 magnitude tremor near China's Lop Nur nuclear testing grounds.
- China has dismissed the US allegations as "entirely unfounded" and accused the US of political manipulation.
- Russia has backed China, stating there is no evidence to support the US claims.
- Independent observers, like the CTBTO, have stated the evidence is inconclusive and insufficient to determine the cause of the seismic events.