How Cuba Is Becoming Beijing’s Caribbean Outpost

China is increasing its influence in Cuba, transforming it into a key partner in the Caribbean, strategically located just 90 miles from Florida. This expansion is marked by significant infrastructure development, intelligence sharing, and educational initiatives that align Cuba with Chinese governance and policies.

• Support for Cuban Sovereignty: On October 23, 2025, China's Foreign Ministry expressed support for Cuba, framing sovereignty as a means for Cuba to align with Chinese interests while resisting U. S. influence.

• Intelligence Expansion: Chinese-linked listening posts have been established in Cuba, with notable facilities at Bejucal and El Salao. These are designed to intercept signals across the southeastern United States. U. S. officials confirm that China has access to these intelligence facilities.

• Telecommunications Control: The Cuban state telecom monopoly, ETECSA, relies heavily on Chinese technology. Over 80% of Cuba’s digital infrastructure is Chinese-built, allowing Beijing to manage internet connectivity and censorship on the island.

• Cyber Sovereignty Agreement: Under a 2023 agreement, China’s cyber policies and surveillance techniques have been integrated into Cuba, aiding the government in controlling dissident communication.

• Strengthening Ties: In August 2025, China's spy chief pledged enhanced intelligence cooperation with Cuba's Interior Minister. Additionally, Xi Jinping and Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel formalized a partnership that emphasizes security and ideological alignment between the two nations.

• Educational Influence: China has expanded educational programs in Cuba, including teaching Chinese language and governance, alongside joint university efforts that promote Marxism-Leninism with Chinese characteristics.

• Propaganda and Cultural Integration: Cultural exchanges and collaborative journalism reinforce the narrative of Cuba as a victim of U. S. coercion, presenting China as its protector. The Chinese government actively shapes this narrative to align with its strategic interests.

• Financial Dependency: China has emerged as Cuba’s primary financier, pledging $7 billion for infrastructure and energy projects. This includes building solar parks, modernizing ports, and providing equipment, all of which increase reliance on China.

• Wider Caribbean Influence: Beijing has extended its reach to other Caribbean countries like Jamaica and Antigua, establishing strategic partnerships and modernizing their infrastructures as part of its regional influence strategy.

• U. S. Response: While the U. S. administration monitors the situation closely, actions to counter China’s influence remain limited. Promises to address the issue are made, but on-the-ground changes are yet to be seen.

Cuba is evolving into a significant stronghold for Chinese influence in the Caribbean. This transformation involves extensive economic, technological, and ideological integration that effectively serves China’s geopolitical goals. As Cuba aligns more closely with Beijing, the implications for U. S. security and influence in the region grow increasingly concerning, presenting a shift in the balance of power in the Western Hemisphere. 

https://spectator.org/how-cuba-is-becoming-beijings-caribbean-outpost/