U.S. Accuses China of Covert Nuclear Tests and Plans for a Thousand-Warhead Arsenal.

U.S. Allegations Against China

According to TSN.ua: The United States has formally accused China of conducting clandestine nuclear tests and pursuing a major expansion of its atomic arsenal. These allegations were made by U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Thomas DiNanno during a United Nations disarmament conference on February 6, 2026. DiNanno stated that China aims to possess over 1,000 nuclear warheads by 2030, a goal that has raised significant international alarm. This development occurs against a backdrop of heightened global nuclear tensions and a renewed arms race.

China currently maintains an estimated stockpile of roughly 600 nuclear warheads. This figure stands in stark contrast to the arsenals of Russia and the United States, which each hold approximately 4,000 warheads. DiNanno further asserted that the U.S. government is aware of China's ongoing nuclear explosive testing, intensifying concerns about Beijing's growing military capabilities. He specifically cited a covert nuclear test conducted by China on June 22, 2020, as evidence supporting Washington's apprehensions.

Mounting Global Security Challenges

These accusations coincide with other critical security challenges. The expiration of the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START) between the United States and Russia on February 5, 2026, has created a new layer of instability. Reflecting this perilous climate, the Doomsday Clock was recently set to 85 seconds to midnight—the closest it has been to symbolic global catastrophe since its creation in 1947.

Shen Jian, a Chinese official, forcefully rejected what he termed 'false narratives.'

The situation surrounding China's nuclear arsenal and its intentions remains a focal point for the international community. The United States now faces strategic threats from multiple nuclear powers simultaneously, underscoring the urgent need for renewed dialogue and cooperation on disarmament. This escalating tension could precipitate new global security crises, demanding proactive measures from international bodies and national governments to prevent conflict escalation. In this context, maintaining open communication channels and fostering peaceful negotiations is essential to avert potentially catastrophic outcomes.