Concerns rise as Russia, US and China expand activities at nuclear test sites: Report

In an exclusive report, CNN has obtained satellite ims that reveal a table surge in activity at nuclear test sites in Russia, United States, and China. se developments come at a time when global tensions between three major nuclear powers have reached ir highest point in deces.

Recent satellite imry, spanning past three to five years, shows significant expansions and infrastructure upgres at three key nuclear test sites. China operates one in remote Xinjiang region, Russia maintains one in Arctic Ocean archipelago, and United States has a facility in Neva desert.

Jeffrey Lewis, an junct professor at James Martin Center for nproliferation Studies, spoke to CNN stating, "re are really a lot of hints that we're seeing that suggest Russia, China, and United States might resume nuclear testing," marking a potential breach of 1996 Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty. Retired US Air Force Col. Cedric Leighton concurred, emphasising that se nations have invested heavily in both modernising ir nuclear arsenals and preparing for potential tests.

Increased nuclear activity in Russia, China & US

Russian President Vlimir Putin's statement in February that he would order a test if US moved first has drawn attention to Moscow's intentions. Putin's comments were furr fueled by former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev's bellicose rhetoric, hinting at potential use of nuclear weapons in Ukraine.

Satellite ims reveal that Russian nuclear test site in vaya Zemlya has seen extensive construction from 2021 to 2023, suggesting potential preparations for nuclear testing. China's Lop Nur test site has displayed increased activity, including excavation of a fifth underground tunnel and new construction projects. United States has expanded its U1a complex in Neva National Security Site.

expansion of nuclear testing infrastructure at a time of profound mistrust between United States, Russia, and China has alarmed analysts. While immediate armed conflict is t imminent, Jeffrey Lewis told CNN that arms race between se nations could escalate, leing to exorbitant expenditures without improved security.

All major nuclear powers, including United States, Russia, and China, have been modernising ir nuclear arsenals. Recent developments include Russia's operationalisation of "Satan II" intercontinental ballistic missile and US's development of new delivery systems.

China's potential return to nuclear testing is driven by need for more up-to-date data for computer models. China has conducted fewer tests compared to US and Russia, resulting in limited data points. ditionally, lack of low-yield nuclear tests hampers development of specific weapons systems.

Doomsday clock nears midnight

Bulletin of Atomic Scientists set its iconic Doomsday Clock at 90 seconds to midnight earlier this year, citing Russia's invasion of Ukraine as a primary cause for concern. threat of nuclear escalation remains a significant danger, with world facing highest risk of annihilation since height of Cold War.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has renewed calls for key countries to ratify international treaty banning nuclear experiments, both for peaceful and military purposes. Guterres highlights alarming rise in global mistrust, coupled with proliferation of nuclear weapons, as a recipe for catastrophe.

Experts agree that resumption of nuclear testing by any major power could trigger an escalation of tests, heightening global instability. International Monitoring System remains vigilant for any major underground blasts that could be detected.