Revelations of Chinese nuclear tests mark start of a new nuclear arms race era

How serious is this negative prospect?

Is it true that China was never before party to any nuclear weapons agreements?

"... And as we sit here today, China’s entire nuclear arsenal has no limits, no transparency, no declarations, and no controls. ..."

"As major powers renew their focus on nuclear testing, the world may be entering a new nuclear era.

Revelations that Beijing has conducted secret nuclear tests should trigger greater focus on China’s expanding nuclear arsenal. China’s nuclear expansion and modernisation could lead to an accelerated and unbridled nuclear arms race, particularly since Chinese President Xi Jinping refuses to participate in meaningful dialogue and abide by agreements on such issues. This would have implications that go beyond the US-China competition: it would affect global stability; undermine international non-proliferation norms and efforts; and harm the prospects of future arms control agreements.

On 6 February, US Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Thomas DiNanno revealed that the US was aware that China had been conducting nuclear tests. One such test was conducted in June 2020, based on US assessments. ..."

Revelations of Chinese nuclear tests mark start of a new era | The Strategist

Statement to the Conference on Disarmament (original US government statement)

China's nuclear arsenal surges 20% or 100 warhead in one year, reaching over 600 warheads: SIPRI

What is this about? What is China up to?

"China has boosted its nuclear arsenal by 100 warheads in just one year, growing from an estimated 500 to over 600 warheads in 2025, according to new data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).

Beijing now possesses more warheads than the UK and France combined, and is expanding its arsenal faster than any other nation. Since 2023, Beijing has added approximately 100 new warheads annually, marking a significant escalation in its nuclear capabilities, according to the research group.

As of January 2025 China had completed or was nearing completion of around 350 new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) silos across three desert regions in the north and three mountainous areas in the east. Depending on how China organizes its forces, it could match the ICBM counts of Russia or the United States by the end of the decade. ..."

China's nuclear arsenal surges 20% in one year, reaching over 600 warheads: SIPRI - Breaking Defense "The Chinese arsenal is still much smaller than that of Russia and the US, but Moscow is watching Beijing's buildup warily, one analyst told Breaking Defense."

India Toughens Nuclear Posture with an Eye on China with Palki Sharma

Very recommendable! Will India abandon its long time no first use doctrine? Is India trying to catch up with China's nuclear arsenal?

What a race!