The Biden administration made a startling revelation this Saturday, confirming long-held suspicions of a covert Chinese intelligence operation rooted in Cuba that has been operational since 2019. This came in response to an earlier Wall Street Journal report suggesting a recent agreement between China and Cuba to establish a spy base on the island – a deal that would allegedly net Cuba billions of dollars in revenue.
The White House initially refuted the Journal’s claims but later admitted that the reality was, in fact, more concerning. An administration official clarified that the Chinese intelligence operation in Cuba was an ongoing concern and not a recent development.
The official further confirmed that China had notably enhanced its “intelligence collection facilities” in Cuba back in 2019, and has persistently attempted to bolster its presence there. Meanwhile, U.S. efforts to counteract such endeavors remain ongoing.
In a discussion with Politico, the official highlighted that China’s presence in Cuba predates the Biden administration. Since the administration took office in January 2021, they have been aware of the People’s Republic of China (PRC)’s global endeavors to expand its overseas logistics and collection infrastructure to project its military power further.
This admission drew strong responses from Congress members. Republican Rep. Mike Turner from Ohio emphasized the importance of addressing the Chinese threat. Meanwhile, Democratic Rep. Ritchie Torres from New York called for Congress to investigate these allegations rather than blindly accepting the Defense Department’s denials.
Bipartisan apprehension was voiced by the Senate Intelligence Committee’s leaders. Democratic Sen. Mark Warner and Republican Sen. Marco Rubio collectively stressed the need for a resolute response to China’s audacious infringements on U.S. security.
Rep. Mike Gallagher, a Republican from Wisconsin, linked this report to the Chinese spy balloon incident that occurred earlier this year, questioning why the Biden administration initially downplayed both events.
Echoing this sentiment, Rep. Tony Gonzales of Texas underscored that control of information is crucial in a conflict. He posited that China’s actions suggest it is preparing for such a scenario.
These alarming revelations only underscore the importance of vigilance in today’s complex geopolitical landscape. China’s covert operations near U.S. borders represent a clear and present danger that cannot be downplayed or ignored. America’s commitment to national security, transparency, and maintaining a watchful eye on international relations is more crucial than ever.
