U.S. intelligence agencies believe that China has been secretly developing a next-generation nuclear arsenal and conducted at least one covert explosive test in June 2020 at the Lop Nur test site.

Axar.az reports, citing an exclusive CNN investigation, that China’s recent nuclear test—carried out despite its self-imposed moratorium since 1996—is viewed as part of the country’s push to modernize its nuclear forces, including developing miniaturized multiple warheads and low-yield tactical weapons potentially usable near its borders, including in response to a U.S. defense of Taiwan.

U.S. assessments suggest China is pursuing technologically advanced capabilities that could rival or surpass those of the United States and Russia in certain areas.

The Trump administration disclosed details of the 2020 test, citing seismic evidence consistent with a nuclear explosion, while Beijing denies any secret testing and maintains its no-first-use policy and commitment to the moratorium.

Analysts believe China’s nuclear expansion is driven by concerns over reliability, survivability, and the ability to deter potential U.S. strikes.

Officials warn that China’s modernization and rapid arsenal growth reflect broader strategic ambitions, including achieving peer status with other nuclear powers and strengthening its global military posture. The disclosure is also intended to pressure Beijing into negotiations for a new nuclear arms agreement, highlighting concerns that traditional arms control frameworks no longer capture the full scope of the threat posed by China’s nuclear development.

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