Amidst escalating US-China tensions, the Biden administration confirmed reports of a Chinese intelligence base in Cuba. While officials assure they can safeguard national security, this revelation has heightened concerns. White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby expressed confidence in the nation's ability to protect its secrets, despite the presence of the Chinese base, which has reportedly existed since 2019.
Initially denying the reports, the administration later acknowledged China's efforts to bolster its spying capabilities in Cuba. The Wall Street Journal initially broke the story, revealing a secret agreement between China and Cuba for an electronic eavesdropping facility. This facility would enable China to intercept communications across the southeastern US, a region housing numerous military bases, and monitor US ship movements. It was reported that China agreed to a multi-billion dollar payment to Cuba for this access.
Kirby, while refraining from detailed disclosures due to the sensitive nature of the information, criticized the media leak. An anonymous official revealed that China aims to expand its global logistical presence, including sites across the Atlantic, Latin America, the Middle East, Central Asia, Africa, and the Indo-Pacific.
This revelation comes shortly after White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan's meeting with his Chinese counterpart in Vienna, aiming to improve communication between the two nations. The presence of the spy base adds a new layer of complexity to the already strained US-China relationship.
