According to a recent report by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), China is rapidly expanding its surveillance operations off the coast of the United States. This development has raised significant concerns as China has continued to partner with Cuba since 2019 to expand its military and intelligence presence on the island.
The CSIS analysis of satellite imagery suggests that Cuba is expanding its regional infrastructure and is now incorporating multiple signal intelligence (SIGINT) facilities on the island. Top US officials are concerned as the Chinese Communist Party keeps pushing itself to survey efforts within the U.S.
The satellite imagery also captured Cuba’s four newly upgraded and expanded military and intelligence installations spread across various locations. Previous reports had identified some of these sites, but the latest findings underscore extensive expansion efforts and their suspected links to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
China’s increasing presence in Cuba is seen as part of its broader strategy to extend its influence in Latin and Central America. By establishing a foothold in Cuba, Beijing aims to strengthen its geopolitical position and enhance its ability to monitor U.S. military and economic activities in the region.
In a tweet, the CCP Spokesperson wrote, “No US slander or smear can drive a wedge between China and our good friend Cuba, neither can it hide the US’s massive, indiscriminate surveillance activities around the world.”
The U.S. has long been wary of foreign powers establishing surveillance capabilities close to its borders. The expansion of Chinese operations in Cuba is reminiscent of Cold War-era tensions when the Soviet Union had a significant presence on the island.
The Office of the Director of National Intelligence released the 2024 Annual Threat Assessment and confirmed speculations that China was “considering pursuing military facilities in multiple locations.” Cuba was assumed to be one of the locations for CCP surveillance expansion, but this was not confirmed at the time.
The Biden administration is being put on blast by Republicans as there is an obvious need to take a firmer stance against China’s actions in Cuba.
China’s expanding surveillance operations in Cuba underscores the increasing strategic competition between the U.S. and China. This development highlights the need for vigilant monitoring and a strong policy response to safeguard American interests in the region.