China denies new report linking CCP to four sites in Cuba allegedly used to spy on the US
China is denying any involvement in a new report linking it to four bases in Cuba that a think tank claims are being used for spying on the U.S. The Washington, D.C.-based Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) released a report detailing facilities in Cuba that it believes China may be using for gathering signal intelligence (SIGINT) on the U.S.
Chinese foreign minister Mao Ning stated that the cooperation between China and Cuba is transparent, not targeting any third party, and should not be subject to any malicious accusations. Cuban foreign minister Carlos de Cossio also dismissed the reports, attributing them to enemies of Cuba in the U.S. as a way to justify economic aggression, calling the claims absolutely false.
CSIS conducted an analysis of over a dozen sites of interest in Cuba, with four sites standing out as potential locations for Chinese intelligence activities. These sites exhibited observable upgrades in recent years, despite Cuba facing economic challenges that have led to closer ties with China.
One particular site, located on a hill overlooking Havana in Bejucal, has long been suspected of having ties to Chinese intelligence. The facility, known for housing Soviet missiles during the Cuban missile crisis, was found to be active as of March 2024, with satellite imagery showing antennas on the ground for intercepting satellite communications.
Another site east of Santiago de Cuba is under construction for a large radio signal finding technology project capable of detecting signals from 3,000 to 8,000 nautical miles away. This site’s strategic location could provide valuable intelligence on U.S. activities, especially in space launches from Florida.
Cuba has a history of allowing U.S. adversaries to use its territory for intelligence gathering, as seen during the Cold War with the Soviet Union’s SIGINT facility near Havana. The growing alliance between China and Cuba has raised concerns, with China providing significant development financing to the island nation.
Overall, the report raises questions about the extent of Chinese intelligence activities in Cuba and their implications for U.S. national security. The U.S. and China are engaged in a space race, making it crucial to monitor and address any potential threats to U.S. interests.
