China has rejected U.S. allegations that it conducted secret nuclear explosive tests, calling the claims “outright lies.” Beijing accused Washington of using the accusations to justify its own nuclear trials. The Chinese foreign ministry demanded the U.S. stop what it called “irresponsible actions.”
The U.S. made the claims at the UN Conference on Disarmament in Geneva on Friday. Thomas DiNanno, U.S. under secretary of state for arms control, accused China of carrying out tests, including one on 22 June 2020. He also claimed China is preparing for more tests with massive yields.
Read more: China reveals matrix, giant flying future
China firmly opposed the accusations and rejected any implication that it intends to escalate nuclear activities. Officials said the allegations were “completely groundless” and criticized the U.S. for attempting to restart its own nuclear testing program.
DiNanno’s statements coincided with the release of a U.S. proposal for three-way talks with Russia and China. The talks aim to set new limits on nuclear weapons following the expiration of New START, the last treaty between Washington and Moscow. China has refused to join disarmament negotiations “at this stage.”
Read more: New START expires as US targets China
The dispute highlights growing tensions between Washington and Beijing over nuclear capabilities. U.S. President Donald Trump previously signaled plans to resume nuclear testing “on an equal basis” with Moscow and Beijing. Experts warn that renewed testing could further strain arms control efforts.