US and China discuss potential nuclear site visits amid arms race concerns

Reports have emerged regarding potential discussions between the United States and China concerning mutual visits to nuclear facilities, including US Department of Energy laboratories and Chinese research centers. While some reports suggest these informal talks include the possibility of accessing nuclear testing sites, the Chinese Foreign Ministry has officially denied these claims, calling them ‘completely inaccurate’.

The discussions occur against a backdrop of shifting global nuclear dynamics. Following the expiration of the New START treaty in February 2026, which previously limited US and Russian long-range warheads, concerns regarding a new arms race have intensified. US officials have advocated for trilateral arms control negotiations involving the US, Russia, and China to address China’s expanding arsenal.

Estimates from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute indicate that China possessed approximately 620 warheads in early 2026, showing a significant increase from previous years. Meanwhile, the United States maintains over 5,000 warheads. Analysts note that while the US and Russia control nearly 86 percent of the global nuclear inventory, China is expanding its arsenal at a faster rate than other nations.