After alleged test, US believes China building new generation of nukes — report

US intelligence agencies suspect China is building a new generation of nuclear weapons, noting at least one secret explosive test in 2020, CNN reports, citing multiple sources familiar with Washington’s assessments.

Evidence collected by US intelligence since a secret explosive nuclear test in June 2020 has led to the belief that Beijing is seeking to create more advanced nuclear weapons, according to the sources and statements from US officials.

The efforts include creating systems capable of delivering multiple mini nukes in a single missile, as well as tactical nuclear weapons, which the People’s Republic has not yet developed, sources say.

The low-yield, tactical nuclear weapons could be used in a response to a potential US defense of Taiwan in the event of an invasion by Beijing, sources add.

A Pentagon official responds to the report, saying it “does not comment on intelligence assessments tied to specific alleged nuclear test events.”

Liu Pengyu, a spokesman for the Chinese Embassy in Washington, tells CNN that “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,” Pengyu says, adding that the allegation of the 2020 test is “entirely unfounded.”