China Expanding Spy Operations in Cuba Near US Coast

By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News

WASHINGTON/HAVANA (Worthy News) – Communist-run China is expanding its spy operations in Cuba, less than 100 miles (160 kilometers) from the U.S. coast, according to data seen by Worthy News on Tuesday.

The U.S.-based Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIC) in Washington D.C., an influential thinktank, investigated “growing defense and intelligence ties between China and Cuba.”

The “Satellite imagery and open-source information assessed by CSIS offers an unprecedented look at four active sites in Cuba capable of conducting electronic surveillance operations,” it added.

“These four sites are among the most likely locations supporting China’s efforts to spy on the United States,” the CSIS stated.

These findings are part of its report “Secret Signals Decoding China’s Intelligence Activities in Cuba,” obtained by Worthy News.

Cuba has a long history of hosting foreign espionage operations targeting the United States, the group recalled.

“During the Cold War, the Soviet Union operated its largest overseas intelligence site at the Lourdes Signals Intelligence Complex.”

CHINA NEGOTIATIONS

There was no immediate reaction from China regarding the CSIS satellite-based information.

However, the discovery was due to add to pressure on President Joe Biden to take on China more forcefully ahead of presidential elections in November.

Negotiations between China and Cuba were reported in 2023 when the White House admitted the U.S. was aware of Chinese spy facilities located in Cuba since 2019, which included a joint military training facility.

“Signals intelligence (SIGINT) is a core element of modern spycraft. Intercepting signals transmitted by both civilian and military actors can provide countries with valuable information about their adversaries, competitors, and allies alike,” the CSIS wrote.

“Cuba’s proximity to the southern United States and the Caribbean makes it a prime location for collecting SIGINT on the region,” it explained.

“For Beijing, having access to SIGINT capabilities in Cuba would open a significant intelligence window inaccessible from within Chinese territory,” the CSIC warned.

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