Cuba, under the rule of 93-year-old dictator Raúl Castro, has re-established military ties with China, coinciding with alarming findings from the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) regarding the utilization of Cuba as a base for Chinese espionage activities targeting the United States. The CSIS assessment detailed four primary eavesdropping facilities in Cuba—located in Bejucal, El Salao, Wajay, and Calabazar—that appear to be instrumental in China’s efforts to collect signals intelligence and conduct surveillance on U.S. communications. The report suggests that the facilities have been significantly upgraded over the years, with satellite imagery showing increased infrastructure and the installation of numerous dish antennas designed to intercept satellite communications.
The upgrades at these military bases are noteworthy, particularly the addition of solar power grids, which may serve as a contingency against Cuba’s unreliable power supply. This precarious situation reflects not just Cuba’s infrastructural challenges but also highlights the strategic importance of these facilities in China’s larger espionage operation. The CSIS has urged the U.S. and its allies to closely track China’s escalating influence in Cuba, recommend bolstered communication security measures, and promote transparency to mitigate the risks associated with miscalculations in geopolitical tensions.
The state-run outlet Prensa Latina reported Castro’s meeting with He Weidong, Vice Chairman of China’s Central Military Commission, further emphasizing the collaborative nature of military relations between the two nations. Castro expressed shared values in military strength as crucial to the advancement of socialism in both countries. He Weidong also met with Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel, reinforcing ties between the military establishments of the two nations. China’s official statement following these meetings emphasized an unwavering partnership that spans generations and characterized the relationship as strong and strategically beneficial.
During the discussions, the Chinese military reiterated its commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation across various domains, including personnel training and high-level exchanges. This intent suggests a long-term plan to deepen military collaboration and inject new momentum into the shared vision of a China-Cuba community characterized by mutual support and aligned interests. Such assertions indicate the Chinese government’s strategic interest in maintaining close ties with Cuba, particularly in the context of increased scrutiny from the U.S. regarding China’s global military expansion.
In response to the CSIS report and the growing Chinese military presence in Cuba, U.S. officials have been vocal about their concerns. A spokesperson for the Department of State confirmed that the U.S. is vigilantly monitoring the developments and is committed to safeguarding American interests. The spokesperson articulated the ongoing efforts to hinder China’s attempts to enhance its military influence in Latin America, signaling that the U.S. will maintain an active presence in countering potential threats emanating from Cuba’s alliance with China.
Dismissive of Western concerns, a Chinese spokesperson characterized the CSIS findings as unfounded accusations lacking evidence, asserting that China’s cooperation with Cuba operates transparently and does not pose a threat to other nations. The spokesperson’s comments highlighted an overarching narrative aimed at countering perceived U.S. aggression in the region, including the historical occupation of Guantanamo Bay and longstanding sanctions against Cuba, which they argue have negatively impacted the Cuban populace. The exchange of rhetoric showcases the complexities of international relations surrounding Cuba as it navigates ties with a powerful ally like China while dealing with ongoing scrutiny from the United States.