China has found its first spy base under America’s nose. This base is located nowhere else but in Cuba, America’s biggest enemy country. Soon after hosting Russian nuclear submarines in Cuba, it has been revealed that this staunch communist country is building a new radar site capable of spying on America. This radar site is located near the Guantanamo Bay Naval Base, which is operated by the US Navy. After the activation of this radar site, it will be easier for China to keep an eye on American warships, aircraft carriers and nuclear submarines. Apart from this, it can keep an eye on every movement happening at the Guantanamo Bay Naval Base.
Cuba’s surveillance capability will increase
The Washington think tank, the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), analyzed satellite imagery of the radar site and concluded that this is the latest upgrade in Cuba’s surveillance capabilities. This radar site will be a powerful tool once operational and will be able to monitor the air and sea activity of the US military. Cuba’s radar facilities will also provide the ability to monitor radio traffic and potentially intercept data provided by US satellites passing over highly sensitive military sites in the southern US.
China can steal data from US spy satellites
CSIS’s report “Secret Signals: Decoding China’s Intelligence Activity in Cuba” states that Cape Canaveral, Florida, is the main space launch complex. Both the US Southern Command and Central Command are headquartered here, where there are several submarine and other military bases. The facility has been under construction since 2021 near the El Salao neighborhood east of Santiago de Cuba. CSIS said the base has a circular antenna array with a diameter of about 130 to 200 meters that can track signals up to 3,000-8,000 nautical miles (3,452 – 9,206 miles) away.
China will keep an eye on the US Navy
“Access to such an outpost would provide China with a highly strategic vantage point near Naval Station Guantanamo Bay,” CSIS said, referring to the major US military base 45 miles (73 km) east of Santiago, Cuba’s second-largest city. However, Cuba’s deputy foreign minister, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesman and the Chinese embassy in the US have denied the claim.
US in tension over Chinese radar site
Located just 90 miles south of Florida, Cuba is strategically located to monitor sensitive communications and activities in the region, including US military activities. The southeastern coastline is home to numerous military bases, combat command headquarters, space launch centers and military test sites. Signals intelligence (SIGINT), or tracking enemy communications, is a key element of espionage. Intercepting signals transmitted by both civilian and military actors can provide countries with valuable information about their opponents, competitors and allies.
