A US state department report has said that China may have furtively conducted low-level nuclear tests underground. If true, it would be a breach of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, an international pact that bans such explosions, and which China claims to observe. The report offers no proof that Beijing has violated the treaty, but cites hectic activity observed last year at China’s Lop Nur nuclear test site. Nukes, however, hold little value beyond minimal deterrence in exercising influence over other nations. If the world turns to any country for leadership today, it would be to one whose scientific breakthroughs help us fight the pandemic.

Source: Mint April 16, 2020 18:11 UTC