This Wednesday, China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs dismissed accusations made by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio regarding alleged Chinese espionage activities in Cuba. The ministry described the collaboration between Beijing and Havana as "completely legitimate, transparent, and compliant with international law."
Chinese Ambassador to Colombia, Zhu Jingyang, echoed this sentiment on his social media account by sharing an official statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
"Fabricating excuses and spreading rumors do not justify the brutal blockade or the illegal sanctions imposed by the United States against Cuba, nor do they hide the fact that the U.S. has severely violated Cuba's right to survival and development, contravening the basic norms of international relations," the statement emphasized.
U.S. Accusations and China's Response
The remarks were a direct response to Rubio's interview on Fox News earlier this week, where he accused the Cuban regime of hosting Chinese and Russian intelligence operations just 90 miles from U.S. shores.
"Cuba has opened its doors to U.S. adversaries, allowing them to operate against our national interests within Cuban territory without consequence," Rubio stated, warning that the Trump administration "will not tolerate any foreign military or intelligence apparatus operating with impunity so close to U.S. coastlines."
Strategic Facilities and Geopolitical Tensions
Rubio's allegations were supported by a report from the Center for Strategic and International Studies, dated December 2024, which identified at least 12 Chinese signals intelligence facilities in Cuba, located in areas such as Bejucal, El Wajay, Calabazar, and El Salao.
The El Salao site, positioned 70 miles from the Guantanamo Bay Naval Base, reportedly has systems capable of tracking signals over distances ranging from 3,000 to 8,000 nautical miles. Satellite images have shown a gradual expansion of these facilities since 2021.
Continued Support and Escalating Sanctions
Meanwhile, China has consistently supported the Cuban regime amidst U.S. pressure. In January 2026, President Xi Jinping approved an aid package of $80 million and 60,000 tons of rice for the island. In March, both nations' foreign ministers agreed to elevate bilateral ties to "higher levels."
This support comes as Trump intensifies sanctions on Cuba, particularly targeting its oil supply. In January, Executive Order 14380 was issued, declaring the island an "unusual and extraordinary threat" and imposing secondary tariffs on those exporting crude oil to Cuba.
The U.S. Embassy in Cuba warned this week that the Trump administration would not tolerate the presence of foreign military or intelligence services on the island, aligning with Rubio's statements.
Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez also refuted claims that Cuba poses a threat to the U.S., in a coordinated stance with Beijing that underscores the strategic alignment between the Díaz-Canel regime and the Chinese government.
"China will firmly support Cuba in safeguarding its sovereignty and national security, and urges the United States to immediately end the blockade, sanctions, and any form of coercion or pressure against Cuba," concluded Zhu Jingyang in his post.
Frequently Asked Questions on U.S.-Cuba-China Relations
What was the main accusation by the U.S. against China regarding Cuba?
The U.S. accused China of conducting espionage activities in Cuba, with allegations of hosting Chinese intelligence operations within the island.
How has China responded to the U.S. allegations?
China has dismissed the accusations as baseless, asserting that their cooperation with Cuba is legitimate, transparent, and in line with international law.
What actions has the Trump administration taken against Cuba recently?
The Trump administration has imposed sanctions targeting Cuba's oil supply and declared the island an "unusual and extraordinary threat," with additional tariffs on crude oil exports to Cuba.