US claims China conducting secret tests in race for nuclear superiority
Sydney Morning Herald
by Sophia YanFebruary 22, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The United States has accused China of conducting secret nuclear tests at Lop Nur, a remote site in north-western China, potentially signaling a new phase in Beijing's ambitions to expand its nuclear arsenal. According to official US estimates, China aims to increase its stockpile of 600 nuclear warheads to 1500 by 2035, making it the only party under the global non-proliferation treaty significantly expanding its nuclear capabilities. This comes as the last remaining nuclear arms control agreement between the US and Russia, the New Start treaty, expired earlier this month.
Lop Nur, also known as Lop Lake, is a desolate desert site where China conducted its first nuclear tests in the 1960s. Satellite imagery reveals recent construction activity, including improved transport infrastructure and new facilities, which may facilitate further testing. US officials have alleged that an explosive nuclear weapons test was conducted by China on June 22, 2020, based on seismic data indicating suspicious activity in the region. This move could be part of a broader effort to modernize and expand China's nuclear arsenal.
Experts warn that such actions raise concerns about global security and stability. Renny Babiarz, a geospatial intelligence expert, noted that having a large nuclear arsenal serves China's geopolitical interests by providing strategic leverage in negotiations and deterring external intervention, particularly in the Taiwan Strait. With the war in Ukraine highlighting the importance of nuclear deterrence, China's potential expansion could mark a new era in the global arms race.
The allegations come amid growing concerns over China's nuclear build-up, which have persisted for decades. US reports from 2020 and subsequent analysis highlight extensive development at Lop Nur, including signs of underground facilities and adits—excavated areas on hills or mountains that could serve as entrances for testing chambers. These findings suggest China may be preparing for future tests, marking a significant step in modernizing its nuclear capabilities.
The expiration of the New Start treaty leaves the US and Russia without a major arms control agreement, further complicating efforts to maintain global nuclear stability. As China continues to develop its nuclear arsenal, the implications for international security and strategic balance remain uncertain. This development underscores the shifting dynamics of the global nuclear landscape and raises questions about the future of arms control agreements in an increasingly tense geopolitical environment.
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Originally published on Sydney Morning Herald on 2/22/2026