Satellite imagery reveals China is operating four spy bases in Cuba, just 90 miles from Florida, threatening U.S. national security by potentially intercepting sensitive military and civilian communications.
At a Glance
- New satellite images show Cuba enhancing intelligence capabilities at four military bases with suspected Chinese involvement
- A major signals intelligence station at Bejucal has received significant upgrades including new electronic antenna enclosures
- A new surveillance site near Guantanamo Bay features a large antenna array potentially capable of monitoring U.S. military operations
- The circularly disposed antenna array (CDAA) at Bejucal can reportedly intercept radio signals from 3,000-8,000 miles away
- House Republicans warn China is positioning itself to “systematically erode U.S. strategic advantages without ever firing a shot”
China’s Expanding Cuban Footprint
A troubling report from the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) has identified construction at multiple Cuban military installations that appears linked to Chinese intelligence operations. The report details significant expansion at sites near Havana and a new installation near Guantanamo Bay.
This development places sophisticated Chinese surveillance capabilities just 90 miles from American shores, creating a potential intelligence gathering nightmare for U.S. security officials. The proximity to numerous U.S. military bases and civilian infrastructure makes these facilities particularly concerning for national defense planners.
The most sophisticated of these facilities appears to be at Bejucal, which has undergone major updates over the past decade. Satellite imagery shows multiple antenna fields and a new electronic dome enclosure typical of signals intelligence operations. The site reportedly houses a circularly disposed antenna array (CDAA) capable of intercepting radio signals from an extraordinary distance of 3,000-8,000 miles – enough to cover most U.S. military bases and Washington, D.C. Two additional sites at Wajay and Calabazar near Havana show evidence of new antennae and radar equipment installations.
China's spying in Cuba sparks alarm on Capitol Hill after fresh satellite images show surveillance buildup
May 7
Republican leaders in the House are increasingly concerned about China’s presence in Cuba and its capacity to spy on the U.S. from the island.
A new report… pic.twitter.com/CQmXL4sUAH
— US Ship of State (@US_ShipOfState) May 11, 2025
Targeting Guantanamo Bay
Perhaps most alarming is the construction of a new facility at El Salao, near the U.S. Naval Base at Guantanamo Bay. This strategic positioning would allow China to directly monitor U.S. military operations at the base. According to the CSIS report, the Cuban facilities could help China gather intelligence on American military activities and potentially intercept data from U.S. satellites. The monitoring stations could also provide access to commercial communications data from the southeastern United States, potentially compromising both military and civilian networks.
“If left unchecked, the PRC’s [People’s Republic of China] activities in Cuba could establish a forward operating base for electronic warfare, enable intelligence collection, and influence operations that directly undermine U.S. national security interests,” warned a group of prominent House Republicans in a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
These developments follow earlier reports from The Wall Street Journal claiming China was paying Cuba to build a spy facility. U.S. officials have previously stated that China upgraded its intelligence facilities in Cuba in 2019 but faced American pushback. The Pentagon has acknowledged the situation but provided little specific information about countermeasures being implemented to mitigate the threat.
Official Responses and Denials
Both China and Cuba have vehemently rejected the CSIS report’s findings. Liu Pengyu, a Chinese spokesperson, demanded that “The U.S. should immediately stop its malicious smearing of China.”
Meanwhile, the Pentagon has offered measured public statements about the situation. “We’re confident that we can continue to meet our security commitments,” stated Pentagon press secretary Major General Pat Ryder, adding, “We know that the PRC [People’s Republic of China] is going to continue to try to enhance its presence in Cuba, and we will continue to keep working to disrupt that.”
The U.S. Office of the Director of National Intelligence has declined to comment on the report, maintaining typical silence on intelligence matters. House Republicans have taken a more alarming tone, stating in their letter that “The PRC is positioning itself to systematically erode U.S. strategic advantages without ever firing a shot.” With tensions between the U.S. and China remaining high over various issues including trade and regional security, this Cuban development represents yet another flashpoint in the increasingly complex relationship between the global powers.
