This information disclosed by The Wall Street Journal made a lot of noise on the other side of the Atlantic because it was picked up by a wide range of American media. Information according to which China would have secretly entered into an agreement with Cuba to be able to install a spy station on the island. The facility would be able to intercept phone calls, e-mails or satellite transmissions from across the American Southeast, where many military installations are located.
THAT The Wall Street Journal explains that Beijing would have committed to pay several billion dollars to Havana as part of this agreement. This information provoked many reactions, especially in the Senate Intelligence Committee, which said it was very concerned. But you should know that Beijing, Havana, but also Washington have currently denied this press information.
A growing desire for espionage from the Chinese side
If this information is denied, China’s efforts to spy on Washington is a confirmed fact. We know, for example, that when Joe Biden arrived at the White House, he was briefed by the intelligence services about China’s growing efforts to set up bases around the world for espionage purposes.
And one can imagine the benefit to Beijing of installing big ears so close to the US given the current tensions, especially around Taiwan. It could, for example, allow the Chinese to learn a lot about US military capabilities in the event of a conflict in the South China Sea.
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A meeting to warm the relationship between the two countries
Given these tensions, this information does not necessarily come at the right time. Relations between Washington and Beijing are strained, and the slightest such rumour, even unconfirmed, is likely to leave its mark, especially when the US secretary of state is due to visit China next week.
A trip that was originally planned for last February, but was canceled after the famous spy balloon incident. When a Chinese balloon had crossed the United States from the west coast to the east coast before it was shot down off North Carolina. It had lasted several days and the case had caused quite a stir, especially since there was no doubt for the Americans that it was indeed a spy balloon. And that had put the Biden administration in a complicated situation in terms of the stance to take against Beijing.
And Anthony Blinken is going to China next week to try to warm up relations between the two countries. And before this trip, we know that Chinese and American officials have been trying to discuss behind the scenes for months. But the dialogue has been complicated by tensions over Taiwan and the Russian war in Ukraine.
