Satellite Photos Indicate China May Be Resuming Nuclear Tests

The last nuclear test by China was on July 29th, 1996, located in Lop Nur, China. The nuclear test was carried out just months before China signed the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) on September 24th, 1996 banning all nuclear explosions

By Donald Standeford, SJ Founder/Publisher
August 01, 2022 11:40 pm UTC
Modified: August 01, 2022 11:40 pm

CHINA - Satellite photos obtained from Planet Labs from the location of Lop Nur nuclear test site in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region in Western China show what looks to be upgraded and expanded facilities, indicating that China may be preparing for nuclear tests for the first time in 26 years.

The last nuclear test by China was on July 29th, 1996, located in Lop Nur, China at: 41.7161°N 88.3757°E, and was successful. The country's last nuclear test was carried out just months before China signed the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) on September 24th, 1996 which banned all nuclear explosions.

A statement by the Government of the People's Republic of China after their last nuclear test said, "On 29 July 1996, China successfully conducted a nuclear test. The Government of the People's Republic of China hereby solemnly declares that it will start a moratorium on nuclear testing effective from 30 July 1996. Such an important decision by China is not only a response to the appeal of the vast number of non-nuclear weapon states, but also a concrete action to promote nuclear disarmament."