MOSCOW: The Kremlin on Wednesday denied that Russia or China conducted secret nuclear tests, countering recent U.S. allegations. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Beijing had also categorically rejected claims of a 2020 test. The announcement comes as Washington urges a new arms control treaty including China.
Peskov told reporters, “Neither the Russian Federation nor China has conducted any nuclear tests,” dismissing accusations circulating in U.S. policy discussions. He emphasized that China also formally denied the allegations, highlighting that no evidence supports claims of undisclosed tests.
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The U.S. earlier this month accused China of secretly testing nuclear weapons in 2020 while advocating for a broader arms control pact. Washington seeks a replacement for New START, which expired on February 5, aiming to include both China and Russia in new limits on nuclear arsenals.
Experts are divided over the treaty’s expiration. Some warn that the lack of updated agreements could accelerate a nuclear arms race, while others say such concerns are exaggerated. The debate underscores rising tensions over global nuclear security and arms control frameworks.
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The Kremlin’s statement is likely intended to reassure the international community and stabilize negotiations, while signaling Moscow’s willingness to participate in discussions on future arms control treaties. Analysts will watch closely for any follow-up diplomatic engagements between the U.S., Russia, and China.