Topline
The Chinese government denied a report indicating it had reached a multi-billion-dollar agreement to build an “eavesdropping” facility in Cuba on Friday, suggesting the U.S. was “spreading rumors and slander,” though both American and Cuban officials have also denied the agreement exists.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin denied previous reports.
Key Facts
Wang Wenbin, spokesperson for China’s foreign ministry, said the U.S. is the “global champion of hacking and superpower of surveillance,” suggesting U.S. officials spread rumors about the agreement as a “common tactic.”
Wenbin also criticized the U.S. for having “illegally occupied” Guantánamo Bay—located in southeastern Cuba—for “secretive activities” and called for the U.S. to “stop interfering” in Cuba’s internal affairs.
White House National Security Council John Kirby denied the Wall Street Journal report in an interview with MSNBC on Thursday, indicating the report was “not accurate,” though he added the Biden Administration was “concerned” about China’s “influence activities.”
Cuba’s Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernandez de Cossio—who also said the report was “fabricated”—also denied the report and said the Journal’s report was “totally false and unfounded.”
Crucial Quote
“It is well known that the U.S. is an expert on chasing shadows and meddling in other country’s internal affairs,” Wenbin said, later adding the U.S. should “act in ways conducive to improving relations with Cuba and regional peace and stability, not otherwise.”
Tangent
Secretary of State Antony Blinken is scheduled to visit China next week, according to Politico. Blinken was originally scheduled for a visit in February, though it was later postponed after a balloon—believed to be used for Chinese surveillance—was shot down over the Atlantic. The incident resulted in soured relations between the U.S. and China, which called the U.S.’s response to the balloon “absurd and hysterical.”
Key Background
The Wall Street Journal—citing U.S. officials—reported earlier this week that China agreed to pay Cuba “several billion dollars” to construct a station meant for “eavesdropping” on the U.S. The site would have allowed Chinese agents to monitor satellite transmissions, emails and phone calls in the U.S., including at military bases and through ship traffic. Relations between the U.S. and China have worsened in recent months, after former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and current House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) met with Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen. U.S. officials—in addition to several state governments—have also expressed concern over possible Chinese surveillance through TikTok, which is owned by Beijing-based ByteDance, claims the company has repeatedly denied.
Further Reading
China Reportedly Planning U.S. ‘Eavesdropping’ Site In Cuba—But Biden Administration And Cuba Deny It (Forbes)
Cuba To Host Secret Chinese Spy Base Focusing On U.S. (Wall Street Journal)
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/tylerroush/2023/06/09/china-denies-cuban-spy-facility-report-says-us-spreading-rumors/