China’s ambitions to enhance its global intelligence-gathering capabilities have extended to Cuba, just 100 miles from the coast of Florida. Recent analyses by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) reveal the existence of multiple suspected Chinese electronic surveillance stations on the island. These facilities, which have been in development since 2021, are positioned to monitor US military activities.
Satellite imagery reviewed by CSIS indicates that one of these stations, located near the El Salao neighborhood east of Santiago de Cuba, is likely equipped to spy on nearby US facilities. This site, along with three others in Bejucal, Wajay, and Calabazar, is believed to have significant signals intelligence (SIGINT) capabilities. These facilities can intercept a variety of signals, providing China with data on US military exercises, missile tests, and rocket launches.
Cuban Vice Foreign Minister Carlos Fernandez de Cossio has denied allegations that Cuba is hosting Chinese military interests, dismissing the claims as unfounded. However, the CSIS report suggests otherwise, detailing the advanced nature of the radar systems and antenna arrays installed at these sites. The Bejucal and Calabazar sites, in particular, feature large dish antennas designed for satellite communication.
The strategic location of these sites allows China to closely monitor sensitive communications and activities across the southeastern United States, an area dense with military installations and space launch centers. The proximity to Guantanamo Bay is especially significant, providing a vantage point to observe a key US naval base.
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