U.S. Accuses China of Nuclear Test, Preparations.

The article focuses on U.S. accusations that China conducted a nuclear explosive test on June 22, 2020, and is preparing for further tests with yields in the hundreds of tons, potentially violating the 1996 Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT), which China has signed but not ratified. U.S. officials cite seismic data and alleged concealment tactics by China, while Chinese authorities deny the claims, calling them fabrications. The article also discusses the technical challenges of detecting low-yield, decoupled underground tests and highlights international monitoring limitations pending the CTBT's entry into force. Additionally, it reports on a recent U.S.-Saudi nuclear cooperation agreement that may loosen nonproliferation commitments by allowing uranium enrichment with less stringent International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) monitoring, reflecting ongoing concerns about nuclear proliferation risks in the Middle East.