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Chinese state television CCTV aired a report featuring conflict simulations with scenarios located near Cuba, Mexico, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Caribbean Sea.
According to a report from the independent media Cubanet, based on information from CCTV and South China Morning Post (SCMP), the simulation was part of an exercise by the People's Liberation Army (PLA) conducted in central China, where dozens of systems and screens displaying operational maps were shown.
According to the material, on the exercise screens, several conflict theaters appeared, including Cuba, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Caribbean Sea, as well as the Sea of Okhotsk and Taiwan, in a segment broadcasted "on Friday."
The SCMP report showed "indicators" of red and blue units —represented by planes and ships— maneuvering near the coasts of Cuba and Mexico, according to the description included in the text.
Part of the blue faction concentrated near Houston, Texas, and advanced southeast toward the Gulf of Mexico, while the red faction was located in the Caribbean Sea.
The document also specifies that, in typical EPL drills, the red side usually represents the Chinese army, while the blue side represents the enemy.
At another point in the report, a close-up centered on Cuba displayed flight and ship trajectory lines "in the region," which the text interprets as a likely simulation of a tactical operation, with Chinese researchers pointing at the screen and discussing the situation.
Despite China's economic ties with countries in the region, the country maintains a minimal military presence in Latin America.
Therefore, the fact that the EPL is modeling potential conflicts in that environment could suggest—according to the report itself—a shift in the global ambitions of the Chinese armed forces.
Chinese bases in Cuba
Satellite images released by U.S. security experts revealed the expansion of several Chinese military installations in Cuban territory, which reinforces suspicions about an increasing surveillance operation by Beijing aimed at the United States from the island.
U.S. lawmakers have warned about the national security risks posed by the military and security cooperation between China and Cuba.
The released satellite images show structures resembling surveillance antennas, communication stations, and monitoring centers located at various points on the island, some of which have already been identified in previous reports such as Bejucal, El Salao, and Wajay, areas historically associated with intelligence activities.
The Cuban regime, for its part, has repeatedly denied the existence of foreign military bases on its territory.
In December 2024, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the allegations as "unfounded" and part of an alleged misinformation campaign. "Find yourselves another lie!" said Johana Tablada de la Torre, Deputy Director General for North America at MINREX, on her social media.
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