The People’s Republic of China is working on a new generation of nuclear weapons and has conducted at least one covert explosive test as part of its arsenal modernization. CNN reports.
According to sources familiar with U.S. intelligence assessments, Beijing’s massive nuclear investments are bringing the country closer to the level of Russia and the United States. At the same time, such investments could provide China with technical capabilities that the two leading nuclear powers currently lack.
According to the interlocutors, in June 2020, China conducted a secret nuclear test at the Lop Nur test site in the northwest of the country, despite a moratorium on such actions since 1996. At the same time, Beijing allegedly planned to conduct other similar tests.
“Although information about the 2020 test was made public by representatives of the US State Department this month, its purpose was not previously disclosed,” – CNN notes.
According to sources, analysis of data after the events of June 2020 gave US officials reason to believe that the test was related to China’s intention to create a new generation of nuclear weapons.
“This includes efforts to develop additional weapons systems capable of delivering multiple miniature nuclear warheads from a single missile,” – the publication says.
In addition, according to sources, China may be developing low-yield tactical nuclear weapons, which it has not previously produced. It is likely that such weapons could be used against targets near the territory of the PRC, in particular in scenarios of response to possible US support for Taiwan.
Previously, US intelligence services reported on the active expansion of China’s nuclear infrastructure, and analysts suggested the development of new technologies.
Currently, according to US officials, there is significant evidence to confirm these assumptions, partly due to information obtained after the 2020 test.
“The 2024 report of the US Department of Defense Intelligence Agency also noted that China seeks to modernize its nuclear arsenal, focusing on the interests USA,” writes CNN.
