NuclearTest – Fresh Debate Over China’s 2020 Allegations

NuclearTest – Amid renewed international scrutiny, Congress leader Manish Tewari on Wednesday questioned reports suggesting that China may have conducted a nuclear test in June 2020, during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Referring to a recent article published by The Washington Post, Tewari asked whether such an action could have taken place just days after the violent clash between Indian and Chinese troops in Galwan Valley.

Timing of the Alleged Test Raises Questions

In a message shared on social media platform X, Tewari pointed to June 22, 2020—roughly a week after the Galwan confrontation—as the reported date of the suspected nuclear activity. He noted that the alleged development coincided with a period when countries worldwide were struggling to manage the devastating health and economic fallout of COVID-19.

The Congress MP questioned whether a nation grappling with the origins and spread of the coronavirus would prioritize domestic containment measures or become involved in heightened border tensions and potential nuclear experimentation. He also observed that global discussions about how the pandemic began, which resulted in millions of deaths, appear to have faded from the forefront of international debate.

Broader Concerns About Pandemic Origins

Tewari’s remarks also touched upon unresolved questions about the source of the coronavirus outbreak. Without presenting fresh evidence, he suggested that uncertainties remain regarding whether the virus emerged from a laboratory leak or through natural transmission. He expressed surprise that the topic has not remained central in diplomatic conversations, despite its profound global impact.

The comments come at a time when geopolitical tensions between major powers continue to influence discussions around public health transparency, border security, and strategic military capabilities.

China Rejects US Allegations

Earlier this month, the Chinese government dismissed accusations from the United States that it carried out nuclear explosive tests in 2020. Beijing described the claims as baseless and accused Washington of attempting to disrupt established arms control frameworks.

The controversy intensified after US Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security Thomas G DiNanno raised the issue during remarks at the Conference on Disarmament in Geneva. DiNanno alleged that China may have conducted nuclear explosive testing activities in June 2020, calling the development a matter of serious concern for global non-proliferation efforts.

Beijing’s Response and Strategic Tensions

Responding to those accusations, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian strongly rejected the claims. During a routine press briefing, he accused the United States of distorting China’s nuclear policy and pursuing political motives aimed at preserving strategic dominance.

Lin argued that Washington has contributed to instability in the global arms control architecture, citing the expiration of the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty as a setback for trust among major powers. According to him, the lapse of such agreements has weakened strategic balance and undermined long-standing non-proliferation commitments.

China maintains that it adheres to a defensive nuclear policy and has consistently supported international arms control initiatives. Officials in Beijing contend that allegations of secret nuclear testing are unfounded and part of broader geopolitical rivalry.

Ongoing Diplomatic Sensitivities

The exchange of statements highlights the fragile state of global nuclear diplomacy at a time when strategic competition between major powers remains intense. While no independent confirmation has been made public regarding the alleged June 2020 test, the issue has revived debate over transparency, compliance, and accountability in nuclear governance.

As governments continue to navigate the aftermath of the pandemic alongside complex security challenges, questions about military activities during that period are likely to remain part of diplomatic discussions. For now, the claims and counterclaims underscore the broader strain in international relations, particularly in matters involving nuclear security and arms control.