Concern in Washington: The U.S. closely monitors China's military presence in Cuba

The U.S. government expressed its concern over the expansion of China's military presence in Cuba and warned that it is monitoring the situation "very, very closely."

"This is something we have been monitoring very closely, and we have been very clear about it. We will protect our homeland and safeguard our interests," said a spokesperson from the State Department to the Martí Noticias broadcaster on Tuesday, following the release of a new report detailing the locations of four coordinates on the island where alleged Beijing spy bases are situated.

The official noted that "Washington's diplomatic efforts" have hindered China's attempts to project and maintain its military power around the world; however, he added that China "will continue to seek to increase its presence in Cuba, and we will keep working to disrupt it."

A recent study by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) revealed details about four facilities in Cuba that may be supporting China's efforts to gather intelligence in the region, particularly concerning the United States and its neighbors.

The report highlights the use of these bases, which the Cuban regime has denied, for signal interception operations (SIGINT), a key component in the collection of sensitive information.

According to the study published last week, the facilities include decades-old sites that have been modernized as well as more recent constructions.

Among the key sites identified in the study is Bejucal, located south of Havana, which is supported by satellite images from March 2024 showing five entrances to underground facilities built between 2010 and 2019.

According to the study, Cuban defectors have stated that it could be the headquarters of the Cuban military intelligence electronic warfare brigade and that it has multiple antennas which appear to be designed to intercept satellite communications and monitor space launches from the United States.

Another installation is located in El Wajay, a base that has grown significantly over the past two decades and now features a complex with 12 antennas, a solar park, and operational buildings, the CSIS explained.

The study also highlights a facility in Calabazar that features antennas and a larger solar park. Finally, there is an unprecedented site near Santiago de Cuba, consisting of a large matrix of antennas built since 2021 in El Salao. According to the CSIS, this array of antennas is capable of detecting signals at distances ranging from 3,000 to 8,000 nautical miles.

The regime in Havana and China have denied this report, as well as one that was published two months ago. The Chinese embassy in Cuba stated that the document is pure fantasy and lacks any basis.

For her part, the Deputy Director General for the United States at the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Johana Tablada, affirmed that "there are no" Chinese bases in Cuba.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Chinese Military Presence in Cuba