WSJ: US puts pressure on China over alleged nuclear tests
During three meetings, the United States urged China to address the allegations that it had secretly conducted very low-yield nuclear tests.
The Trump administration has begun confidential talks with China regarding its rapidly expanding nuclear arsenal, following concerns about Beijing’s compliance with the thirty-year-old moratorium on nuclear testing .
This is reported by the Wall Street Journal, citing sources who say the discussions took place on the sidelines of multilateral meetings in Geneva, New York and Casablanca. During the meetings, the United States urged China to respond to allegations that it had secretly conducted very low-yield nuclear tests.
The discussions are not, for the time being, aimed at reaching a formal agreement on arms control. Instead, the two sides are reportedly exploring measures to reduce risks and possible new verification mechanisms, at a time marked by the growth of China’s nuclear capabilities.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump had ordered the Department of War to prepare for a resumption of US nuclear tests, subsequently explaining the decision on the grounds that “others are carrying out tests” and arguing that it was “appropriate” for the US to keep pace.
Moscow had warned that any US nuclear test would mark the end of the de facto moratorium that has been in place for decades.
