Big Headlines, No Proof: Inside the Hype Over “Chinese Spy Bases”

TRANSCRIPT

“China's spying footprint in Cuba,” said Andres Martinez-Hernandez, Senior Policy Analyst in Heritage’s Allison Center for National Security.

“China's spy bases in Cuba,” expressed Ryan Berg, Director of the Americas Program at Center for Strategic and International Studies

“Chinese funded signals on intelligence facilities across Cuba,” stated Rep. Carlos Gimenez (R-FL).

“Speculation about alleged Chinese spy bases in Cuba is back, this time in Congress,” said Daniel.

“CSI has positively identified about four specific facilities as highly likely sites supporting Chinese intelligence operations targeting the US.”, claimed Berg.

“On May 6th, Homeland Security Subcommittee held a hearing about the growing threat of alleged Chinese spy bases in Cuba. This story is new. US corporate media outlets have been pushing the claim for at least 25 years,” Daniel assured.

“The white House now confirming China has had a spy base in Cuba since at least 2019.”, remarked news anchor number one.

“New images of Cuba's electronic eavesdropping bases have been captured from space and are believed to be linked to China.” commented news anchor number two. 

“We begin with the Chinese spy station, less than 100 miles off the coast of the United States and Cuba.”, affirmed news anchor number three.

“The source for the latest alarm bells was the center for Strategic and International Studies. CSIS is a think tank in Washington, D.C. Last year, CSIS has published a report claiming publicly available satellite images show China was using Cuba to spy on the US.”assured Daniel.

“At the time, we spoke to a former CIA analyst about the CSIs report” Daniel added..

“The report is an interesting compilation of rumors or old speculation. The paper didn't present new information, and some of the information that it had presented was really incongruous with reality.” former CIA analyst Fulton Armstrong.

“We also visited the locations cited in the report”, Daniel mentioned.

“I'm looking for the Chinese military base," asked Liz. 

“I don't see the logic of that question. I know of no Chinese base here in Cuba.” An old man on the street answered. 

“No, I’ve never heard that.” A woman answered.

“The story went away until it was revived. But this man, Carlos Jimenez, a Cuban American member of Congress from Miami. In February, he visited the US military base at Guantanamo Bay.” Daniel claimed.

“We had a great time here. Four hours here in my homeland of Cuba. The only free spot in the entire island.And the next time I come here, this won’t be the only place on the island to be free. The entire island will be free.” Rep. Carlos Gimenez declared.

“Soon after, he organized a congressional hearing to denounce the presence of a foreign military base in Cuba. No, not Guantanamo.” Daniel asserted.

“If reports of rising Chinese activity in Cuba are accurate and it is no longer just a diplomatic issue, it is that direct security risk to the American people.” Gimenez added.

“The hearings produced no hard evidence of Chinese spy bases, but it was full of fear mongering.” Danield mention.

“Cuba is not just an outpost of Chinese influence. It's a strategic beachhead.” Leland Lazarus,  Director of National Security of Jack D. Gordon Institute opined.

“Reporting by CSIs and other organizations have once again unmasked the malign nature of the Beijing Havana nexus.” Andres Martinez Hernandez from Heritage Foundation claimed.

“These allegations and rumors and speculation have been out there for quite a while. But what we really need is a serious, analytical look at what's there. But also why. Why would the Chinese be doing this when they could be doing similar collection more effectively, more economically? From other places?”Armstrong mentioned.

“CSIS analyst Ryan Berg claimed one of the alleged spy bases had become more active. He also said another alleged spy base had fallen into disuse less than a year after the initial report claimed it was a significant new collection site.” Daniel stated.

“After the publication of our initial reports. Construction progress at El Salvador, the site by Santiago de Cuba seems to have ceased, as evidenced by hitherto well trimmed and grated areas being taken over by grass.”, said Berg.

“When pressed by members of Congress, Berg provided no proof China has spy bases in Cuba.” Daniel expressed.

“Has there been credible analysis or confirmation that Chinese intelligence has used Huawei or ZTE connected infrastructure in Cuba to intercept sensitive US communications or conduct cyber? I mean, we believe they are, but has there been any analysis or confirmation?” Rep. Andrew Garbarino from New York asked. 

“Congressman, not on the open source side. What we've collected here is the facilities that we think are likely the Chinese are using. Are we able.” Berg answered.

“Are we able to discern through the satellite imagery, human Intel and signal Intel what the capabilities of this technology located on Cuba?” Rep. Elijah James Crane from Arizona asked.

“Chairman, we're able to speculate about it.” Berg answered.