US Accuses China of Expanding Nuclear Arsenal, Calls for Inclusion in Arms Talks

The United States has accused China of rapidly and secretly expanding its nuclear arsenal, including conducting an underground nuclear test near the Lop Nur site in 2020, which China denies. US officials, including Assistant Secretary Christopher Yeaw, criticized the expired New START treaty for not addressing China's growth and called for China’s inclusion in future arms control agreements. China rejects these claims and refuses to join new negotiations. The lapse of New START raises concerns about a renewed arms race involving the US, Russia, and China.