The U.S. sources familiar with classified data, China and Cuba, have made a covert agreement to build an electronic spying facility on the island about 100 miles off the coast of Florida. The Wall Street Journal published this information on Thursday.
China established a spy facility in Cuba: According to the publication, such a station would enable Beijing to monitor ship traffic and capture electronic communications from the southeastern United States, home to major U.S. military facilities.
According to the Journal, the nations have reached a preliminary understanding in which China will pay Cuba “several billion dollars” in exchange for allowing the eavesdropping station.
The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the report. Additionally, the Washington-based embassies of China and Cuba failed to respond immediately when contacted for comment.
According to the publication, the pact has alarmed the Biden administration since it presents a new threat to the country’s backyard.
Washington and Beijing are making cautious moves to defuse tensions that erupted after American forces shot down a reported Chinese high-altitude surveillance balloon that had traversed the country off the East Coast. The rumored agreement comes in this context.
With a failing economy due to inflation, gasoline shortages, declining farm productivity, and a cash crunch hindering output and fueling unrest in the communist-run island nation, Cuba would likely welcome a financial influx.
The Journal reported that they had gathered recent persuasive intelligence on the intentions of a Cuba station. According to the officials, it would enable China to undertake satellite transmissions, emails, and phone calls to gather signals intelligence.
Tampa, Florida, serves as the home base for U.S. Central Command. North Carolina is home to Fort Liberty, formerly Fort Bragg, the biggest military installation in the United States.