China conducted a nuclear test in 2020 without the knowledge of the international community.

Axar.az reports, citing Reuters, that this was stated by U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Arms Control Thomas DiNanno at a conference held in Geneva.

He said the Chinese military prepared and carried out a nuclear explosion with a yield of hundreds of tons and used special techniques to reduce the effectiveness of seismic monitoring.

The United States claims the covert test took place on June 22, 2020, violating China’s commitments under the ban on nuclear testing.

China has rejected the accusations, saying Washington is exaggerating the myth of a Chinese nuclear threat and shifting responsibility for the arms race onto others.