CNN: US intelligence claims China pursuing advanced nuclear capabilities

US intelligence agencies assess that China is developing a new generation of nuclear weapons and may have conducted a covert explosive test in recent years as part of a broader effort to modernise and technologically transform its nuclear arsenal, according to multiple sources familiar with the assessments.

The findings have intensified debate within the US intelligence community and among policymakers over whether Beijing is shifting its long-standing nuclear strategy. Officials told CNN that they believe China’s accelerated investment in advanced nuclear capabilities could move it closer to parity with the world’s two largest nuclear powers, the United States and Russia, potentially introducing technologies neither country currently possesses.

According to sources, China conducted an explosive nuclear test in June 2020 at the Lop Nur facility in northwestern China. The test allegedly took place despite China’s self-imposed moratorium on nuclear explosive testing that has been in effect since 1996. While US State Department officials publicly disclosed the June 2020 event earlier this month, they did not previously detail its suspected purpose.

Evidence gathered during a subsequent US review of the 2020 event has led officials to conclude that the test was linked to China’s pursuit of next-generation nuclear weapons systems. Sources familiar with the assessment say this includes efforts to develop delivery systems capable of carrying multiple, miniaturised nuclear warheads on a single missile.

US officials also assess that China appears to be developing low-yield, tactical nuclear weapons — capabilities it has not previously fielded — that could be deployed in regional scenarios, including in the event of a conflict involving Taiwan and potential US intervention.

China has maintained a nuclear arsenal since 1964 and has expanded its stockpile at a rapid pace in recent years. However, its total number of warheads remains significantly smaller than those held by the United States and Russia, which together possess the majority of the world’s nuclear weapons.

Responding to the US intelligence assessments, a spokesman for the Chinese Embassy in Washington rejected the allegations.

“The United States has distorted and smeared China’s nuclear policy.”

“This is political manipulation aimed at pursuing nuclear hegemony and evading its own nuclear disarmament responsibilities,” Liu Pengyu said. “China firmly opposes such narratives. US allegation about China conducting a nuclear test are entirely unfounded. China opposes any attempt by the United States to fabricate excuses for resuming its own nuclear testing.”

A US defence official said that the Pentagon “does not comment on intelligence assessments tied to specific alleged nuclear test events.”

By Sabina Mammadli