China is said to be strengthening its arsenal by developing a new set of nuclear weapons, as per alerts from US intelligence agencies. Xi Jinping’s military is reportedly working to upgrade its existing nuclear weapons stockpile to become the most advanced globally. Allegations suggest that China conducted a clandestine explosive test recently as part of its efforts to enhance its lethal weaponry. While China has possessed nuclear weapons since 1964 and has been able to produce them at a rapid pace, it still lags behind Russia and the US in supply. However, US claims raise concerns that China’s arsenal could potentially become the most deadly worldwide.
Despite voluntarily halting nuclear testing activities in 1996, China is suspected of disregarding this commitment and conducting a secretive explosive nuclear test in June 2020 at the Lop Nur facility in the northwest. According to CNN, US intelligence sources warn that China is planning more such tests while focusing on developing more destructive weapons.
Sources indicate that China is anxious about the scale and sophistication of the US nuclear arsenal, fearing it could potentially neutralize their weapons before they can retaliate. The scope of China’s alleged nuclear advancements remains uncertain, but there are indications that the country may be working on creating low-yield nuclear weapons, a departure from its past practices. This shift could enable China to target areas closer to its borders, such as Taiwan.
US officials claim to have gained insights into China’s worrisome nuclear advancements following revelations about the 2020 test. Assistant Secretary of State Christopher Yeaw revealed that the test registered a magnitude of 2.75 on the Richter scale, indicating a clear explosive event consistent with a nuclear test. In response, a spokesperson from the Chinese Embassy in Washington dismissed the allegations as political manipulation aimed at promoting nuclear dominance and avoiding nuclear disarmament responsibilities. China vehemently denies carrying out any nuclear tests and condemns the US for fabricating excuses to justify its own potential resumption of nuclear testing.
