US Lawmakers Sound Alarm on Chinese Spy Sites Near Florida

Key Takeaways:

• Two U.S. House committees are urging the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to address suspected Chinese spy installations in Cuba.
• These installations are reportedly 90 miles from the U.S. coast, posing a threat to national security.
• China is suspected of building surveillance sites near Havana and Santiago de Cuba.
• The sites could intercept sensitive data from U.S. military bases and space centers.
• China has invested nearly $8 billion in Cuban infrastructure, including telecom projects by Huawei and ZTE.
• DHS has been asked for a classified briefing and answers to key questions about the threat.

Two U.S. House committees are calling on the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to act quickly over reports of Chinese spy installations in Cuba. These suspected sites are just 90 miles from the U.S. coast, raising alarms about national security threats.

Taxpayer Money and Spy Sites The letter, sent to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, warns that China is building or has already built at least four signals intelligence (SIGINT) stations in Cuba. These stations could intercept sensitive information from major U.S. military bases and space centers, including Kennedy Space Center and Naval Station Guantanamo Bay.

Three of the suspected sites are near Havana, while the fourth is in Santiago de Cuba. These locations are strategically positioned to monitor U.S. activities in the air, space, and maritime domains.

Why It Matters The installations are equipped with advanced technology, such as satellite dishes and antenna arrays, which suggest they are designed for long-range surveillance. This could allow China to gather intelligence without directly engaging in combat, undermining U.S. strategic advantages.

China’s Growing Influence in Cuba Since 2000, China has invested nearly $8 billion in Cuba, funding projects like a nationwide telecom network built by Huawei and ZTE. Both companies have been sanctioned by the U.S. for their roles in global surveillance and repression.

This partnership has raised concerns about Cuba’s digital infrastructure being exposed to Chinese-linked platforms, potentially jeopardizing regional communications security.

A Call to Action Lawmakers are pressing DHS to provide a classified briefing and answer five critical questions. These include:

1. A detailed assessment of China’s intelligence-gathering operations in Cuba.
2. Information about infrastructure developments at the suspected sites.
3. Efforts to counter the threat through interagency coordination with the Department of Defense and other agencies.
4. Steps to raise awareness about the risks of China’s surveillance platforms.

The Bigger Picture China’s expanding presence in Cuba reflects its broader strategy to challenge U.S. dominance. The Department of Defense has labeled China as the only competitor capable of reshaping the global order.

In recent years, Chinese espionage in the U.S. has grown rapidly, with 59 CCP-related criminal cases reported between 2021 and 2024. If left unchecked, China’s activities in Cuba could create a forward base for electronic warfare, threatening U.S. national security interests.

As tensions rise, U.S. lawmakers are urging DHS to take immediate action to protect the homeland from this growing threat.