Fresh satellite imagery released by U.S. security experts has uncovered the expansion of several Chinese military facilities within Cuba, intensifying concerns about Beijing's growing surveillance operations targeting the United States from the island. During a session of the House Subcommittee on Maritime Security and Transportation, U.S. lawmakers raised alarms over the national security threats posed by the military and security collaboration between China and Cuba.
Republican Congressman Carlos Giménez, representing Florida, delivered a stark warning: "China is upgrading numerous espionage facilities in Cuba to spy on the United States. They are intercepting our communications and observing our military tactics." Giménez emphasized that these facilities are primarily aimed at monitoring critical activities in southern Florida, home to one of the nation's key air combat training centers.
The newly disclosed satellite images reveal structures resembling surveillance antennas, communication stations, and monitoring centers scattered across various locations on the island. Some of these sites, such as Bejucal, El Salao, and Wajay, have been previously identified in intelligence reports and are historically linked to intelligence operations.
The Cuban regime, however, has consistently denied the presence of foreign military bases on its soil. In December 2024, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs dismissed the allegations as "baseless" and part of a supposed disinformation campaign. "Find another lie!" exclaimed Johana Tablada de la Torre, Deputy Director General for North America at MINREX, on social media.
Echoing this sentiment, Carlos Fernández de Cossío, MINREX's Director General for the United States, criticized CNN for interviewing Giménez during the Congressional Subcommittee hearing. "Now CNN joins the circus, lending credence to corrupt and unfounded accusations by U.S. politicians regarding nonexistent Chinese military bases in Cuba. A ridiculous aerial image showing nothing is used to misinform. Very eroded journalistic standards," he declared on X (formerly Twitter).
Nevertheless, the increased presence of Chinese military delegations on the island, including high-level visits such as those by the Chinese State Councilor and recent meetings between Raúl Castro, Miguel Díaz-Canel, and an Asian military delegation, bolster Washington's concerns. A report from the U.S. Office of the Director of National Intelligence last December indicated that Beijing uses platforms in Cuba for "signals intelligence" (SIGINT) activities, capable of intercepting communications and monitoring air and naval movements in the southern United States.
"The only course of action now is to apply maximum pressure on the Cuban regime, which is experiencing one of its worst economic periods in over six decades. They cannot feed their people or maintain basic infrastructure. It is a failed regime," declared Giménez during the hearing. He further suggested that the U.S. should strive for a regime change in Cuba, transforming it from an adversary to an ally.
From Washington, the White House has maintained a watchful stance, though it has not publicly confirmed specific actions in response to this threat. Pentagon officials consulted by U.S. media have consistently stated that surveillance from Cuba represents a "sustained strategic concern" and that U.S. intelligence "closely monitors" the development of Chinese activities in the Caribbean.
Meanwhile, the Cuban regime continues its strategy of denial and mockery. In July 2024, Díaz-Canel himself posted a sarcastic message on social media ridiculing reports of Chinese presence in Cuba. However, the official tone has been less humorous in diplomatic circles, where the issue has led to increasing tensions with the United States.
The situation has also reactivated alarms within Cuban exile sectors and the international community, worried about the solidification of a military alliance between the Cuban regime and China that could signify a new phase of indirect confrontation in the Western Hemisphere. As global tensions with Beijing escalate, particularly over the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea, the use of Cuba as an advanced platform for intelligence operations heightens fears of a resurgence of Cold War-like dynamics, now with 21st-century actors and technologies.
Key Concerns About Chinese Military Presence in Cuba
What do the new satellite images reveal about Chinese military presence in Cuba?
The satellite images reveal the expansion of several Chinese military installations in Cuba, including structures resembling surveillance antennas, communication stations, and monitoring centers, raising concerns about Beijing's surveillance operations against the United States.
Why is the U.S. concerned about China's activities in Cuba?
The U.S. is concerned because these activities pose national security risks by potentially intercepting communications and monitoring military activities in southern Florida, home to key air combat training centers.
How has the Cuban government responded to allegations of Chinese military bases?
The Cuban government has consistently denied the existence of foreign military bases, dismissing these allegations as baseless and part of a disinformation campaign.
What actions are being considered by the U.S. in response to this threat?
The U.S. is considering applying maximum pressure on the Cuban regime and pursuing a regime change to transform Cuba from an adversary to an ally.