China could build an interception center in Cuba, thus increasing its surveillance and espionage capabilities. US authorities fear that Beijing could gain insight into the electronic communications of the entire southeastern region of the US from the spy base. Washington opposes building the facility, but it is not yet clear exactly what steps it could take against its construction.
Attempts to gather Chinese intelligence in the region increased, and the Chinese spy balloon incident caused an unforgettable scandal in February this year. At that time, an unidentified Chinese airship with various instruments was discovered over the territory of the United States. The device was eventually released off the coast of South Carolina, though Beijing has always denied using the device for espionage, saying it was for meteorological and research purposes. The incident caused a diplomatic scandal, US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken canceled his previously planned visit to Beijing.
According to John Kirby, a spokesman for the White House National Security Council, the US government is concerned about China’s growing relationship with Cuba. He said that US authorities are constantly monitoring and taking countermeasures against the extent of Chinese influence, which he believes is excessive. Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernandez de Cossio denied allowing China to set up the center, calling it a slander.
The Wall Street Journal report has moved the domestic politics of the United States. Democrat Mark Warner and Republican Senator Marco Rubio of the rival parties issued a joint statement, as they expressed concern about the possibility of building a Chinese spy base near the shores of the United States. The region is of outstanding importance from the point of view of the economy, as busy waterways cross the region, Therefore, they bring to the attention of the Biden administration to take the necessary steps to remove the risks.
the CNN writes about it, that the Chinese leadership is not only trying to strengthen intelligence off the US coast, but Washington is also active in the Far East region. In the past, there was an example of a Chinese aircraft that intercepted a US Department of Defense intelligence and surveillance plane.
Recently, it has been noted that both the United States and China have tried to improve relations between the two countries. US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken plans to travel to China in the coming weeks for talks with Chinese leaders, but the big question is whether this meeting can take place after the Cuban issue.
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