Recent reports suggest that China and Cuba are in advanced discussions to establish a joint military training facility on the island nation. This development has raised concerns within the U.S. government, as such a facility could allow China to permanently station troops less than 100 miles from American shores.

The Wall Street Journal initially broke the story, citing classified U.S. intelligence. While the intelligence is considered credible, it remains fragmented. The potential implications of this facility include a permanent Chinese military presence in Cuba and increased intelligence gathering capabilities directed at the United States.

A Chinese navy ship arrived in Havana in 2015. Now, reports suggest China may be planning a permanent military presence on the island. (Xinhua/Joaquin Hernandez via Getty Images)

This proposed facility is believed to be part of China's "Project 141," an initiative to establish a global network of military outposts. The location of Cuba, approximately 100 miles from the U.S. mainland, mirrors the distance between Taiwan and mainland China, leading some to speculate that this move is a strategic response to the U.S. relationship with Taiwan.

While a senior Biden administration official declined to confirm the specifics of the report, they acknowledged ongoing concerns regarding China's activities in Cuba and reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to regional security. Rep. Carlos Giménez (R-FL) expressed alarm at the potential threat posed by this development, criticizing the Biden administration's response to growing Chinese influence in the Western Hemisphere.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Chinese President Xi Jinping recently, addressing various security concerns, including China's activities in Cuba. (GREG BAKER/AFP via Getty Images)

Secretary Blinken's recent visit to Beijing included discussions on this issue, with the U.S. expressing concerns about Chinese intelligence activities in Cuba. The U.S. has affirmed its commitment to working with allies to maintain a rules-based international order.

Secretary Blinken addressed the press during his visit to Beijing. (Andrea Verdelli/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

This follows a previous report, also from the Wall Street Journal, regarding a potential Chinese spy base in Cuba. While initially denied by the White House, the administration later confirmed the existence of Chinese eavesdropping stations in Cuba dating back to 2019.