Mike Waltz, the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, declared on Sunday that the Cuban regime poses a significant threat to American national security. This assertion stems from the presence of Chinese and Russian intelligence facilities on the island. Waltz emphasized that the Donald Trump administration is determined not to tolerate this situation.
"There are still multiple Chinese sites gathering intelligence around our military bases in Cuba. Both Chinese and Russians: the Cuban regime is not just a threat to its own people; it is a threat to national security. This administration will not stand for it any longer," Waltz stated in an excerpt from an interview with Fox News shared on social media platform X.
His comments come during a week marked by the fifth anniversary of the July 11, 2021, protests and a renewed exchange of accusations between Washington and Havana.
Diplomatic Tensions Flare at the UN
Last Monday, during a United Nations General Assembly session, Waltz engaged in a heated confrontation with Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla. Waltz accused Rodríguez of representing an "illegitimate and brutal" regime, while displaying photographs of Cuban political prisoners.
When Rodríguez called him a "liar," the U.S. diplomat retorted, "This is not Havana. These are the United States of America, the UN, and we will not be silenced."
In the same session, the United States reiterated its demand for the release of Cuban political prisoners and defended the Cuban people's right to live in freedom.
Concerns Over Intelligence Bases
Waltz's warning comes amid growing concern in Washington over Chinese and Russian activities on Cuban soil. A report from the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) claims that at least 12 signal intelligence facilities linked to China operate in Cuba. Major sites include Bejucal, El Wajay, Calabazar, and El Salao, the latter situated about 70 miles from the Guantanamo Naval Base.
In June, new satellite images unveiled recent activity at the Bejucal facility, including the completion of a large interception antenna, which reignited alarm among U.S. authorities.
Russia also maintains significant intelligence infrastructure on the island, viewed by analysts as one of its main information-gathering platforms outside its territory. Additionally, it operates two GLONASS satellite navigation system stations.
Military Collaboration Raises Eyebrows
The military partnership between Moscow and Havana gained attention in June 2026 when a Russian naval flotilla, including the nuclear-powered submarine Kazan, visited the port of Havana. Following this display, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that Cuba poses a threat to U.S. national security for permitting Russian military vessels to use its ports.
Intelligence reports from 2025 to 2026 also indicate that China and Russia have significantly increased their intelligence personnel presence in Cuba since 2023.
In June, Secretary of State Marco Rubio argued before the Senate for Cuba's continued inclusion on the U.S. list of State Sponsors of Terrorism, citing the presence of foreign intelligence infrastructure and the regime's support for armed groups like the ELN and FARC.
Since Donald Trump's return to the White House, his administration has toughened its stance on Havana. On January 20, 2025, Cuba was re-added to the list of State Sponsors of Terrorism, and over 240 new sanctions have been imposed, including a May 2026 executive order restricting U.S. entry for regime officials and their adult family members.
Meanwhile, Miguel Díaz-Canel has dismissed the accusations regarding Chinese bases in Cuba, labeling them as part of an "intimidation campaign." Nevertheless, Waltz's statements underscore that the presence of Chinese and Russian intelligence infrastructure on the island remains a central concern for Washington's national security.
Key Concerns Over Cuban Intelligence Activities
Why does the U.S. view Cuba as a national security threat?
The U.S. considers Cuba a national security threat due to the presence of Chinese and Russian intelligence facilities on the island, which are believed to gather sensitive information on American military activities.
What actions has the Trump administration taken against Cuba?
The Trump administration has re-added Cuba to the list of State Sponsors of Terrorism and imposed over 240 new sanctions, including travel restrictions for Cuban regime officials and their families.
What evidence exists of Chinese intelligence activities in Cuba?
Reports indicate that at least 12 Chinese-linked intelligence facilities operate in Cuba, with recent satellite images showing activity at a key site in Bejucal, including a new interception antenna.
How has Cuba responded to these allegations?
Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel has dismissed the allegations of Chinese bases in Cuba, calling them part of an "intimidation campaign" by the United States.