The recent visit of CIA Director John Ratcliffe to Havana has left many questions unanswered, with a particular focus on a statement from the Cuban regime that caught everyone's attention: their adamant denial of any "foreign military or intelligence bases" on the island.
This declaration was made public on Thursday in an official note from the Revolutionary Government regarding the meeting between a U.S. delegation, led by Ratcliffe, and representatives from the Ministry of the Interior (MININT). The Cuban regime acknowledged the visit as a result of a request from Washington.
The statement emphasized, "Once again, it is clear that the Island does not host, support, finance, or allow terrorist or extremist organizations; nor are there foreign military or intelligence bases on its territory."
This reference was particularly conspicuous since the statement did not clarify why Havana chose to underscore this point amidst discussions supposedly centered on terrorism and bilateral cooperation.
Growing Concerns Over Cuba's International Ties
The announcement comes at a time of increasing global concern over Cuba's strategic ties with Russia, China, and Iran. This is especially relevant following reports of alleged Chinese intelligence activities in Cuba and closer military cooperation between Moscow and Havana in recent years.
The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) has identified at least 12 Chinese signal intelligence facilities in Cuba, with main sites in Bejucal, El Wajay, Calabazar, and El Salao, the latter located in Santiago de Cuba, just 70 miles from the Guantanamo Naval Base.
The Biden administration confirmed the existence of these facilities in June 2023, noting their operations since at least 2019. Marco Rubio accused Cuba of hosting Chinese intelligence in late April 2026, warning that "we will not allow any foreign military, intelligence, or security apparatus to operate with impunity just 90 miles from the U.S. coast."
Military Presence and Diplomatic Implications
Satellite images have confirmed the gradual expansion of these facilities since 2021, with new extensions documented in May 2025.
Regarding Russia, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth informed Congress on Wednesday that Russian warships, including the submarine Kazan, have repeatedly used Cuban ports.
Although the Cuban regime has consistently denied these allegations, the fact that the topic appeared in a CIA visit statement suggests it might have been part of the discussions between the two parties.
The Cuban government also took the opportunity to reiterate that the island poses no threat to U.S. national security and that there are no grounds to keep it on the list of state sponsors of terrorism.
The official statement asserted, "The Cuban side demonstrated conclusively that Cuba does not pose a threat to U.S. national security."
Uncertain Future of U.S.-Cuba Relations
The CIA Director's visit to Cuba is a rare occurrence and happens amidst a particularly challenging time for the Cuban regime, marked by a severe economic crisis, blackouts, shortages, and an unprecedented migration wave.
The immediate precursor was a secret State Department meeting in Havana on April 10, marking the first landing of an official U.S. plane in Cuba since 2016, where discussions included the release of political prisoners, internet access through Starlink, and the presence of foreign groups on the island.
The Cuban regime's publication of the meeting seems to aim for political and symbolic impact, showcasing that Washington continues to maintain communication channels with Havana despite the deterioration of bilateral relations.
The lingering question after today's statement is whether the CIA, which specifically requested this meeting, accepted the regime's version regarding the absence of foreign installations, or if this issue will persist as the main hurdle for any agreement to remove Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism.
Key Questions About CIA's Visit to Cuba
Why did the Cuban regime emphasize the absence of foreign bases?
The emphasis on the absence of foreign military or intelligence bases appears to address international concerns about Cuba's strategic ties with countries like China, Russia, and Iran, and to assert its sovereignty amidst allegations.
What are the implications of the CIA's visit to Cuba?
The visit suggests ongoing diplomatic engagement between the U.S. and Cuba despite strained relations, and highlights key security concerns, such as alleged foreign intelligence activities on the island.
How does Cuba's strategic relationship with other countries affect U.S. security?
Cuba's ties with nations like Russia and China pose potential security challenges for the U.S., given the proximity of these operations to American territories and their possible military implications.