Senators Introduce CEASE Act to Counter Chinese Espionage in Cuba
China Spy Base in Cuba Since 'At Least 2019,' Say Officials
Overt Operator
November 07, 2023
A group of United States Senators, including Jim Risch (R-Idaho), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), and Ted Cruz (R-Texas), have recently introduced the Countering Espionage and Surveillance Entities in Cuba (CEASE) Act. The legislation aims to impose sanctions on any foreign individual or entity that has engaged in significant transactions or provided material support to the Chinese military or intelligence facilities in Cuba. Earlier this year, U.S. intelligence confirmed that China had a spy base in Cuba since "at least 2019," the Associated Press wrote.
According to Senator Risch, the deepening military and intelligence partnership between the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and Cuba poses a direct threat to U.S. national security.
With multiple intelligence facilities located less than 100 miles from U.S. shores and near a U.S. military base, there is no denying the urgency of countering these threats. The CEASE Act, if passed, would provide the necessary tools to address this issue effectively.
Senator Barrasso echoed similar concerns, emphasizing the CCP's track record of deceit and manipulation in its pursuit of economic and military dominance. The establishment of spy bases by China in collaboration with the Cuban dictatorship, only miles away from the U.S. border, raises serious security concerns. The introduction of this legislation, according to Barrasso, is a critical step in safeguarding the country from these threats.
Highlighting the growing malign influence of the CCP in the Western Hemisphere and its strategic ties to Cuba's Marxist dictatorship, Senator Hagerty emphasized the need to address these dangers to U.S. national security. Joining his colleagues in supporting the CEASE Act, Hagerty hopes that this measure will effectively counter the military and intelligence collection facilities that China has established in Cuba.
The introduction of the CEASE Act comes at a time when concerns about Chinese espionage and surveillance activities have been on the rise. The CCP's relentless pursuit of sensitive information and its willingness to exploit partnerships with other countries have raised alarm bells among U.S. lawmakers. The legislation aims to send a strong message that the United States will not tolerate foreign entities engaging in activities that jeopardize its national security.
The CEASE Act is expected to garner support from both sides of the aisle, as lawmakers recognize the urgent need to address the threats posed by China's expanding intelligence network. With bipartisan backing, the legislation stands a good chance of moving forward in the Senate.
As the Biden administration grapples with various foreign policy challenges, countering Chinese espionage and surveillance activities in Cuba has become a top priority for many lawmakers. The CEASE Act represents a proactive approach to safeguarding U.S. interests and national security in the face of evolving threats from the CCP.
In the coming weeks, the CEASE Act will undergo further scrutiny and debate in the Senate. As the legislative process unfolds, the U.S. government will continue to assess and address the risks posed by foreign entities collaborating with China in Cuba. With bipartisan support, the CEASE Act may serve as a crucial tool in countering the growing influence of the CCP and protecting U.S. national security interests.