China recently reached a secret agreement with Cuba to establish a spy facility on the island to gather intelligence on the United States and its nearby military bases, according to U.S. officials who shared the highly classified intelligence with the Wall Street Journal.
The WSJ reported that the facility would allow China to eavesdrop on electronic communications throughout the southeastern United States, where many military bases are stationed, including 21 in Florida.
With Cuba only 100 miles from Florida, China would be able to monitor ship traffic in the area and intercept emails, phone calls, and satellite transmissions, the outlet stated.
The U.S. officials told the WSJ that China has agreed to pay Cuba several billion dollars to allow it to build the spy facility in America’s backyard.
Officials did not share where the alleged eavesdropping station would be located on the island, whether the construction had already begun, or what the Biden administration could do to prevent the facility’s construction.
John Kirby, a spokesperson for the National Security Council, denied the accuracy of the WSJ’s report.
Kirby told the outlet, “While I cannot speak to this specific report, we are well aware of — and have spoken many times to — the People’s Republic of China’s efforts to invest in infrastructure around the world that may have military purposes, including in this hemisphere.”
“We monitor it closely, take steps to counter it, and remain confident that we are able to meet all our security commitments at home, in the region, and around the world,” he added.
When asked about the Chinese spy facility rumor by MSNBC on Thursday, Kirby stated that he had seen the press report and that it was inaccurate.
“You’re saying it’s not accurate that they’re planning this?” an MSNBC host asked Kirby.
He replied, “I’m saying that we’ve seen the report. It’s not accurate. We’re focused on making sure that we can mitigate any threats from China in the region.”
Republicans slammed the Biden administration for not considering China a serious threat to the United States.
“Joe Biden needs to wake up to the real Chinese threats on our doorstep,” said Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley.
Republican Senator Marco Rubio stated, “The threat to America from Cuba isn’t just real, it is far worse than this.”
“Joe Biden groveled to China and made us dependent on Chinese energy – and now Beijing is building a spy station in our backyard. When will Biden stop making China rich and start protecting America,” Republican Senator Josh Hawley stated.
Republican Representative Carlos Gimènez posted on Twitter, “As the only Cuban-born Member of the 118th Congress, I have been warning about the imminent national security threat posed by the murderous Castro regime in #Cuba. Now, the Castros are plotting with Communist #China to eavesdrop on America.”
The Chinese Embassy in Washington and Cuba’s Embassy did not reply to a request for comment, the WSJ reported.
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