The earthquake recorded on June 22, 2020, is likely linked to China's nuclear tests, Reuters reported on February 18. This statement was made by a senior U.S. official.
Christopher Yeo, the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State, confirmed at a meeting in Washington that the recorded underground tremors with a magnitude of 2.75, which occurred in Kazakhstan 750 kilometers from the Chinese test site at Lop Nur, were likely the result of an underground explosion.
“Such behavior does not match the characteristics of a natural earthquake. This is a typical sign of a nuclear test,” Yeo noted, who previously worked as an analyst in intelligence and holds a Ph.D. in nuclear engineering.
According to him, China attempted to conceal its tests by using a method of detonating the device inside a large underground chamber to reduce the amplitude of the shock waves.
The organization monitoring compliance with the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty stated that it does not have enough information to confirm Yeo's claims.
In response, a representative of the Chinese embassy in Washington called the allegations of nuclear testing baseless and stated that the U.S. is trying to create a pretext to resume its own tests.
“This is a political manipulation aimed at achieving nuclear hegemony and evading commitments to nuclear disarmament,” said Liu Pengyu, a representative of the Chinese embassy. He emphasized that China calls on the U.S. to reaffirm its commitment to halting nuclear tests and to support international efforts for nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation.
Additionally, U.S. President Donald Trump is pressuring China to participate in negotiations for a new agreement that is supposed to replace the New START treaty, which expired on February 5.
