In what could lead to another confrontation between the two countries, the United States has said that China could have clandestinely conducted limited underground nuclear tests China has denied these claims.
The US claims about China having conducted “zero yield” tests have resulted from activities at China’s Lop Nur nuclear test site throughout 2019.
A ‘zero yield test’ refers to a nuclear reaction which doesn’t set off a chain reaction and can be contained easily.
“China’s possible preparation to operate its Lop Nur test site year-round, its use of explosive containment chambers, extensive excavation activities at Lop Nur and a lack of transparency on its nuclear testing activities … raise concerns regarding its adherence to the zero yield standard,” the U.S State Department said.
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Beijing is also believed to have blocked data transmissions from the ground sensors which help in the monitoring.
China has denied the US claims.
The Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) bans all forms of nuclear testing including underground testing. It was signed in 1996 and India refused to sign it for introducing a system of nuclear apartheid.