A new report released on Tuesday highlighted the expansion of electronic espionage stations in Cuba linked to China, including new construction approximately 70 miles from the U.S. naval base at Guantanamo Bay.
This study by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), a Washington-based think tank, follows a report by the Wall Street Journal last year that indicated negotiations between China and Cuba to strengthen ties in defense and intelligence, including a new joint military training and espionage facility on the island.
Satellite images and open-source information evaluated by the CSIS provide an unprecedented view of four active sites in Cuba capable of conducting electronic surveillance operations.
Signals intelligence (SIGINT) is a core component of modern espionage. Intercepting signals transmitted by both civilian and military actors can provide countries with valuable information about their adversaries, competitors, and allies alike.
The think tank explains that collecting SIGINT is a complex task that requires specialized equipment, such as antennas optimized for the signal characteristics of their targets. The size, number, orientation, and arrangement of these antennas determine their capabilities and functions.
In addition to traditional antennas, parabolic antennas are also used in SIGINT. These can focus radio waves into a narrow beam, making them effective for communicating with distant satellites as well as intercepting and gathering signals from various sources. Radar antennas emit and receive radio waves to track physical objects, such as ships, planes, and missiles.
Although the Cuban regime has denied the existence of Chinese espionage bases, this study highlights China's ambitions to expand its global intelligence-gathering capabilities, bringing them closer to the United States.
In 2023, officials from the Biden administration revealed that China has access to multiple espionage facilities in Cuba. While Chinese activities on the island remain secretive, the satellite images analyzed by the CSIS provide the most comprehensive assessment of the locations where China is likely operating.
Locations of Espionage Bases in Cuba According to CSIS Study
1. Bejucal: Located in the hills near Havana, this Cuban SIGINT facility is the largest reviewed by the CSIS. Known for housing Soviet nuclear weapons during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, Bejucal has been suspected of having ties to Chinese intelligence. Satellite images from March 2024 show significant upgrades, including the construction of a new radome that could house a radar or ELINT system.
2. El Salao: In eastern Santiago de Cuba, this new SIGINT complex had not been previously reported. Initiated in 2021, the site appears to be a large CDAA with a diameter of 130 to 200 meters, capable of enhancing aerial and maritime surveillance in the region.
3. Wajay: Less than 10 kilometers north of Bejucal, this smaller facility has 12 antennas of various sizes and orientations and is believed to be used for intercepting and transmitting terrestrial signals. Unconfirmed rumors suggest that China played a role in its construction or modernization.
4. Calabazar: This small military complex near Calabazar, documented in declassified U.S. government files, exhibits typical SIGINT operations features, with more than a dozen parabolic and pole antennas. Its evolution suggests ongoing adjustments to its assigned missions.
The current report also recalls the historic Lourdes Signals Intelligence Complex, operated by the Soviet Union during the Cold War, another iconic espionage site in Cuba.
Cuba's proximity to the southern United States and the Caribbean makes it a prime location for SIGINT collection, providing China with a significant intelligence window inaccessible from its own territory.
Monitoring military activities and communications in the region could provide China with valuable data on U.S. military practices, even as modern communications are highly encrypted.
Key Insights on Chinese Spy Bases in Cuba
Below are some frequently asked questions about the expansion of Chinese spy bases in Cuba and their implications.
Why is China interested in establishing spy bases in Cuba?
China aims to expand its intelligence-gathering capabilities globally. Establishing bases in Cuba allows them to monitor U.S. military activities and communications in the southern U.S. and Caribbean, providing a strategic advantage.
What is SIGINT, and why is it important?
SIGINT, or signals intelligence, involves intercepting and analyzing signals transmitted by various sources. It's a critical component of modern espionage, providing valuable information on adversaries, competitors, and allies.
How credible are the findings of the CSIS report?
The CSIS is a reputable think tank based in Washington. Their findings are supported by satellite images and open-source information, making their report a credible source on the subject.