Cubas Growing Threat to U.S. National Security, Says Marco Rubio

Washington, June 3: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has labeled Cuba a “failed state” and a rising threat to American national security. He accused Cuba of being a hub for Chinese and Russian intelligence activities, supporting anti-American efforts throughout Latin America.

Speaking before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on National Security, Rubio stated that Cuba’s economic decline and its close ties with adversarial nations pose significant challenges to U.S. interests in the Western Hemisphere.

Rubio pointed out that decades of poor economic policies and mismanagement have nearly collapsed Cuba’s economic model. He noted that a substantial portion of the economy is now controlled by military-linked organizations rather than civilian institutions.

Despite the military’s control over significant assets, Cuba has long faced severe shortages of fuel and electricity. Rubio also mentioned that a large number of Cubans have emigrated over the past two decades, further weakening the economy and reducing the skilled workforce.

According to Rubio, Cuba’s strategic ties with China and Russia represent a direct threat to U.S. security. He stated, “China and Russia operate facilities in Cuba that gather intelligence targeting the southeastern United States.”

Reports of such activities have surfaced multiple times, with Rubio identifying Cuba as a center for collecting intelligence and expanding political influence in the region.

He asserted that Cuba has long been associated with groups and movements that attempt to destabilize pro-American governments in Latin America. “If you travel to countries in the Western Hemisphere, you will find that behind any group or activity aimed at pressuring or overthrowing a pro-American government, there is often a Cuban element involved,” he said.

Rubio alleged that Havana remains connected to several international groups operating in the region, undermining democratic institutions and regional stability. However, he stated that the U.S. administration is prepared to provide humanitarian assistance to the Cuban people, provided it reaches them directly and is not distributed through government channels.

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