Raúl Castro and Díaz-Canel Welcome Chinese Military Delegation Amidst Espionage Concerns in Cuba

As international unease grows over potential Chinese espionage bases in Cuba, the country's leader Miguel Díaz-Canel and his predecessor, the dictatorial general Raúl Castro, hosted Colonel General He Weidong, vice chairman of China's Central Military Commission, at the so-called Palace of the Revolution.

This meeting took place amid escalating tensions between the United States and Cuba, exacerbated by recent reports detailing the alleged expansion of Chinese military facilities on the island. During the encounter, Díaz-Canel emphasized the "extreme significance" of the visit, highlighting the robust bilateral ties rooted in the historic legacy of leaders like Fidel Castro and Mao Zedong. He also asserted that the relationship between both countries and their armed forces serves as an "important bastion in socialist construction."

"For us, this visit holds immense significance. It represents continuity in our relations, which are, in our view, at an excellent level, among our Communist Parties, governments, peoples, and military institutions," Díaz-Canel expressed to Weidong, as reported by the Cuban National Television News (NTV).

Highlighting the special nature of military cooperation between the two communist regimes, Díaz-Canel voiced his desire for the "strengthening of these relations" and considered the high-level visit from the People's Liberation Army a "honor." Additionally, the leader appointed by Raúl Castro expressed gratitude for China's support amid the complex economic situation facing Cuba, which he attributed to the U.S. embargo and the island's designation as a state sponsor of terrorism.

"We must thank you that in these difficult times, we constantly receive expressions of support and solidarity from the Chinese government and the Communist Party of China," Díaz-Canel told the visitor.

"We know that the assistance from China is extraordinary, it's special. As part of this aid, and the desire to strengthen our cooperation and work for the mutual benefit of our nations, we are also fortifying the relations for the defense of our countries, our nations, and the relations between our armed forces," he added.

For his part, Colonel General He Weidong highlighted the agreements reached between Díaz-Canel and Chinese President Xi Jinping in previous meetings, committing to further strengthen military and political ties. "I feel at home," remarked the senior Chinese military official, appreciating the warm welcome in Havana.

"In 2023, you met twice with President Xi Jinping and reached significant agreements on building a China-Cuba community with a shared future, elevating the special friendly relations between the two parties and countries to a new level. You mentioned that China and Cuba, our parties, governments, peoples, and armed forces have maintained very good relations," Weidong noted.

A statement from China's Ministry of Defense referred to the visit, emphasizing, "China highly values Cuba's firm support on issues involving its fundamental interests and will continue to firmly support Cuba in safeguarding its sovereign independence and national dignity, as well as resolutely opposing external interference in its internal affairs."

"General He Weidong also made it clear that China is willing to share its successful modernization experience with Cuba, continue providing assistance within its capacity, support the development of the Cuban army, and work together to build a China-Cuba community with a shared future," the statement added.

According to Martí News, the Chinese Ministry of Defense also expressed that "regardless of how the international situation changes, both parties will firmly support each other on issues concerning their fundamental interests, further enhance cooperation in mutual visits and communication, personnel training, and other fields, and elevate military relations to a new level to inject new impetus into building a China-Cuba community with a shared future."

Context of High-Level Chinese Military Visit to Cuba

The visit occurred just days after the United States reiterated its concerns about the presence of Chinese intelligence facilities in Cuba, which could threaten regional security. Previously published satellite images reportedly showed expansions of military bases on the island, accusations that the Cuban regime has categorically denied, labeling them part of a misinformation campaign to justify hostile U.S. actions.

In July, satellite images revealed what Western analysts interpreted as the expansion of Chinese bases on Cuban soil, sparking alarm in Washington. The U.S. government increased surveillance over the island, noting that any foreign military presence would be considered a direct threat to its national security. Meanwhile, the Cuban government maintained a firm and even mocking denial, insisting that such accusations are unfounded and driven by geopolitical interests.

The recent meeting in Havana included high-ranking Cuban military officials such as the Minister of the Revolutionary Armed Forces, Army General Álvaro López Miera, and Army General Roberto Legrá Sotolongo, Chief of the General Staff. On the Chinese side, the delegation included China's ambassador to Cuba, Hua Xin, and a broad military delegation.

Geopolitically, the visit of the high-ranking Chinese military official reinforces Cuba and China's strategic positioning in the Caribbean, challenging U.S. hegemony in its traditional sphere of influence. The strengthening of military and political ties between the two countries could have significant implications for the balance of power in the region.

With both countries committed to deepening their cooperation on multiple fronts, the development of these ties will remain a focal point on the international stage, marking a new phase in the strategic relationship between Havana and Beijing.