U.S. Conducts Explosion Experiment at Nuclear Test Site

The article reports that the United States conducted a non-nuclear explosion experiment at a nuclear test site. The stated purpose was to improve methods for detecting covert Chinese nuclear tests. The experiment reflects continuing U.S. concern about China’s nuclear activities and the difficulty of distinguishing peaceful or non-nuclear underground explosions from weapons tests. The report’s available description provides limited detail about the experiment’s design, results, and independent verification.