Multiple government sources within the Caribbean and the United States have dismissed a Wall Street Journal report claiming Beijing planned to ascertain a spy base in Cuba. The New York-based newspaper cited an alleged “secret agreement” for China to arrange an digital eavesdropping facility on the island, enabling it to intercept emails, phone calls, and other knowledge from the US.
John Kirby, spokesperson for the White House National Security Council, advised the Reuters information company that the report was “not correct.” Similarly, US defence department spokesperson Brigadier General Patrick Ryder stated they were not conscious of China and Cuba developing a new spy station.
In Havana, Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernandez de Cossio rejected the Journal article as “totally mendacious and unfounded,” labelling it a US fabrication supposed to justify Washington’s longstanding economic embargo towards the island. He emphasised that the island opposed all foreign army presence in Latin America and the Caribbean.
A spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in Washington also denied data of the case, stating they might not remark at the moment.
The report sparked considerations amongst US politicians, significantly on the best. Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley posted on Twitter, “This month alone, China has harassed and threatened a US fighter jet and naval ship. Now, it’s putting a spy base in Cuba.” Ohio Representative Jim Jordan blamed US President Joe Biden, linking the news to the Chinese spy balloon that traversed US airspace earlier this 12 months.
The Wall Street Journal stated that the ability would enable Beijing to collect digital communications from the southeastern US, house to numerous US navy bases, and monitor ship visitors. The US Central Command headquarters is situated in Tampa, while Fort Liberty, previously Fort Bragg and the biggest US navy base, is in North Carolina.
This reported deal emerges as Washington and Beijing appear to be making cautious steps towards easing tensions which have risen over points similar to Taiwan, the South China Sea, human rights, and the suspected spy balloon. Behind the scenes in February led Secretary of State Antony Blinken to cancel a deliberate visit to Beijing, with recommendations that it may now take place within the coming weeks..