China’s intelligence unit in Cuba has been operating for years and underwent an upgrade in 2019 to bolster its presence on the Caribbean island, according to a White House official.
China has been operating an intelligence unit in Cuba for years and upgraded it in 2019 in an effort to enhance its presence on the Caribbean island, a White House official said Saturday.
“This is well-documented in the intelligence record,” the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said in confirming China’s intelligence presence.
US media in recent days had reported that Beijing was planning to set up a spy base on the island, which is located just off American shores.
The developments come as Chinese leader Xi Jinping has pushed a rapid expansion of the country’s security presence around the world.
A base in Cuba, which lies 90 miles (150 kilometers) off Florida’s southern tip, would be viewed in Washington as a direct challenge to the continental United States.
China warned the United States Friday against “interfering in Cuba’s internal affairs,” in response to the media reports on a planned base.
When asked about the base at a regular press briefing, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said he was “unaware of the situation” before criticizing US policy on Cuba.
“As we all know, spreading rumors and slander is a common tactic of the United States, and wantonly interfering in the internal affairs of other countries is its patent,” said Wang.
Marie de La Roche Saint-André, with AFP
