Wall Street Journal farce: A critical analysis

Editor's Note: The author is Executive Director of the Center for South Asia & International Studies (CSAIS) Islamabad and Regional Expert on China, BRI & CPEC. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of Gwadar Pro.

Recently, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) published a report claiming that China agreed to fund Cuba to build a supposed "spying" station. This report, riddled with factual errors and irrelevant correlations, appears to be yet another attempt by the U.S. and its allies to tarnish China's image, reminiscent of previous 2023 incidents.

WSJ labeled the alleged espionage centre in Cuba as a geopolitical challenge to the U.S., stirring up U.S. national politics. In response, the U.S Senate Select Committee on Intelligence deemed the purported Chinese spy activity a threat to national security, escalating the diplomatic tension between the two nations.

John Kirby, spokesperson for the U.S National Security Council, and the Pentagon refuted the WSJ's report even before its publication, reinforcing doubts about its credibility. Additionally, Cuba's government and Chinese policymakers dismissed the article as baseless, accusing it of maligning China's endeavours for global prosperity.

WSJ's history of spreading rumours about China is worth noting. One such rumour suggested that China proposed recognising Ukraine's occupied territories as part of Russia, undermining China's neutrality on the Russia-Ukraine conflict. This claim was swiftly refuted by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, hinting at a potential alliance between WSJ and U.S. politicians against China.

Regrettably, the true spirit of dialogue, diplomacy, and development between the U.S and China is being hindered by  WSJ's consistent spread of false information. This negative trend is contributing to the damaging of bilateral relations and potentially leading to global confrontation. 

It's undeniable that the U.S. has been performing global surveillance, building military bases near China, and conducting reconnaissance along China's coast, contributing to tensions. 

The WSJ's recent report has sparked a heated debate about the strategic significance of disseminating false news. It has ignited a new struggle between the two states, leading to uncertainty and the potential for conflict.

Sadly, the WSJ's actions have led to its reputation as a professional rumormonger against China, contributing to a toxic environment in Washington. 

The Chinese government has criticized the U.S.'s long-standing interference in Cuba's internal affairs. Following the U.S. media's hype of China's supposed espionage deal in Cuba, China urged the U.S. to stop undermining bilateral relations. 

CNN's claim that Cuba agreed to let China build a spying facility on the island added to the controversy. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin dismissed the report as the U.S. meddling in other countries' affairs. He highlighted the U.S.'s history of occupying Cuba's Guantánamo Bay and imposing a blockade on Cuba for over 60 years. He urged the U.S. to stop interfering in Cuba's internal affairs under the guise of promoting freedom, democracy, and human rights.