China's state broadcaster CCTV aired a segment featuring military simulations depicting conflict scenarios near Cuba, Mexico, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Caribbean Sea.
An independent report by Cubanet, drawing on information from CCTV and the South China Morning Post (SCMP), revealed that these simulations were part of a People’s Liberation Army (PLA) exercise conducted in central China. The exercise involved numerous systems and screens displaying operational maps.
During the exercise, various conflict theaters were displayed on the screens, including Cuba, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Caribbean Sea, alongside the Sea of Okhotsk and Taiwan, as shown in a segment broadcast on "Friday."
According to the SCMP report, indicators representing "red" and "blue" units, symbolized by aircraft and ships, were seen maneuvering near the coasts of Cuba and Mexico. Part of the blue team concentrated near Houston, Texas, advancing southeast towards the Gulf of Mexico, while the red team was positioned in the Caribbean Sea.
In typical PLA exercises, the red team is usually representative of the Chinese military, whereas the blue team portrays the adversary.
Another part of the report focused on Cuba with close-up views of aircraft and ship trajectories in the region, interpreted as a likely simulation of tactical operations, as Chinese analysts pointed at the screen and deliberated over the situation.
Despite China's economic ties with countries in the region, its military presence in Latin America remains minimal. However, the PLA's modeling of potential conflicts in this area might indicate a shift in the global ambitions of China's armed forces, according to the report.
Chinese Bases in Cuba
Satellite imagery released by U.S. security experts has unveiled the expansion of several Chinese military facilities on Cuban soil, intensifying suspicions of a growing surveillance operation by Beijing targeting the United States from the island.
U.S. lawmakers have raised alarms about the national security threats posed by military and security cooperation between China and Cuba.
The satellite images reveal structures resembling surveillance antennas, communication stations, and monitoring centers spread across the island, some previously identified in reports as Bejucal, El Salao, and Wajay, locations historically linked to intelligence activities.
Meanwhile, the Cuban regime has consistently denied the existence of foreign military bases on its territory. In December 2024, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs dismissed these allegations as "unfounded" and part of an alleged disinformation campaign. "Find another lie!" exclaimed Johana Tablada de la Torre, MINREX's Deputy Director-General for North America, on social media.
Key Questions on Chinese Military Activities in Cuba
What are the implications of Chinese military simulations involving Cuba?
The simulations suggest a potential shift in China's global military strategy, highlighting a focus on regions closer to the United States, which could affect geopolitical stability and provoke concerns about regional security.
How has the Cuban government responded to allegations of Chinese military bases?
The Cuban government has denied the presence of foreign military bases, labeling such claims as part of a disinformation campaign and reiterating its stance against hosting foreign military operations.