According to a media report, China reached an agreement with Cuba to install an electronic monitoring station on the island. That could allow China to intercept communications in the southeastern United States and monitor maritime traffic, the Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday, citing US circles. As part of a deal in principle, the Beijing government will pay “several billion dollars” to Cuba.
The island is about 150 kilometers off the coast of Florida. The headquarters of US Central Command is located in the southeastern United States. The largest US military base, Fort Liberty – formerly Fort Bragg – is located in North Carolina.
The “Wall Street Journal” referred to US officials who are familiar with the relevant intelligence. These were earned in the last few weeks and are credible. The Washington government is alarmed by the new threat posed by the two communist states in America’s backyard.
National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told Portal the report was incorrect. Statements from Cuba and the Beijing government were not available.