US Releases Intelligence Details on Alleged Secret Chinese Nuclear Test

The United States has released new intelligence alleging that China conducted a covert nuclear test, amid rising global security concerns.

A senior State Department official, Christopher Yau, stated that seismic data from monitoring stations indicated a 2.75 magnitude event consistent with an underground nuclear explosion at China's western testing region. Yau noted that the signal did not match characteristics of mining explosions or natural earthquakes and exhibited traits typical of a nuclear detonation.

The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) responded that available data is insufficient to confirm a nuclear test, leaving the exact cause unclear.

China rejected the allegations, affirming its commitment to nuclear test-ban obligations and denying any prohibited nuclear activities. China's last officially acknowledged underground nuclear test took place in 1996, prior to signing international agreements restricting further testing.

The claims come as global nuclear tensions escalate following the expiration of the last major US-Russia arms control agreement, fueling concerns over renewed strategic competition.