The United States government is turning its foreign policy spotlight on China's expanding influence in Latin America and the Caribbean, particularly concerning Cuba. Reports have surfaced of intelligence activities and potential military cooperation agreements between the two nations.
Under President Donald Trump's administration, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio spearheading U.S. diplomacy, a firm stance has been taken against increased Chinese military interference in the region. A major concern for Washington is the alleged presence of Chinese espionage facilities on Cuban soil, highlighted by analyst Gordon Guthrie Chang, known for his critical views on China, in a publication by the Gatestone Institute.
The Wall Street Journal reported that since 2019, China has been operating signal intelligence stations on the island, posing a potential threat to U.S. national security due to Cuba's proximity to Florida's coast and the concentration of military bases in the southeastern United States. Both China and Cuba have dismissed these claims as "baseless," although intelligence reports suggest a strengthening of security cooperation between the two countries in recent years.
Amid an economic crisis and with Russia preoccupied by the war in Ukraine, Havana's regime has increasingly relied on Beijing as a crucial ally for financial and strategic support. Furthermore, there have been discussions between the two nations about establishing a joint military training facility, potentially leading to the presence of Chinese troops just 100 miles from the United States.
In response to these developments, Secretary of State Rubio embarked on his first tour of Central America and the Caribbean, marking a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy priorities. During his visit to Panama, Rubio voiced his concerns about China's growing regional influence and urged the Panamanian government to reassess its ties with Beijing. Consequently, Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino announced that his country would not renew the Belt and Road memorandum with China and might terminate the agreement before its expiration.
The U.S. government has made it clear that it will employ all diplomatic and economic tools at its disposal to curb China's expansion in the Western Hemisphere. Although a direct military intervention in Cuba is unlikely, pressure on Havana's regime is expected to intensify in the coming months, according to Chang's analysis.
The once-described "unbreakable friendship" between China and Cuba could face challenges if the Trump administration intensifies its efforts to counter Beijing's influence in the region.
Growing Military and Intelligence Collaboration Between Cuba and China
International attention has focused on the relationship between Cuba and China due to reports of Chinese espionage bases on the island and increased military cooperation. In December 2024, a U.S. report detailed the existence of Chinese intelligence facilities in Cuba, located in Bejucal, Wajay, Calabazar, and El Salao. These facilities are reportedly equipped with advanced signal intelligence (SIGINT) technology, raising regional security concerns.
The Cuban government has consistently denied these accusations. In July 2024, the regime refuted the presence of Chinese espionage bases on its territory, labeling the reports as unfounded. Despite these denials, satellite images released in July 2024 revealed an expansion of Chinese-linked facilities in Cuba, including new construction approximately 70 miles from the U.S. naval base in Guantanamo.
Military cooperation between Cuba and China has also become evident. In December 2024, Raúl Castro and Miguel Díaz-Canel welcomed a Chinese military delegation led by General He Weidong, Vice Chairman of China's Central Military Commission. During their meeting, both sides expressed a desire to strengthen bilateral military relations.
These developments have raised alarms in Washington, with the U.S. government expressing concern over the expanding Chinese military presence in Cuba and monitoring these activities closely. Despite official denials, evidence suggests increasing collaboration between Cuba and China in intelligence and defense sectors, potentially impacting security in the Western Hemisphere significantly.
FAQs on China's Influence in Latin America and the Caribbean
What is the main concern of the U.S. regarding China's presence in Cuba?
The primary concern is the alleged presence of Chinese espionage facilities in Cuba, which could threaten U.S. national security due to the island's proximity to Florida and its military bases.
How has the U.S. responded to China's influence in the region?
The U.S. has shifted its foreign policy focus, employing diplomatic and economic measures to limit China's regional expansion, and Secretary of State Rubio has initiated a tour to reinforce this stance.
What has been China's and Cuba's response to these allegations?
China and Cuba have both denied the allegations of espionage operations, dismissing them as baseless, despite intelligence reports suggesting otherwise.