03 June,2026 12:01 PM IST | Washington | mid-day online correspondent
Marco Rubio. Pic/AFP
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has described Cuba as both a failed state and an emerging national security challenge for the United States, alleging that the Caribbean nation hosts Chinese and Russian intelligence operations and continues to support activities that undermine pro-American governments in Latin America.
Rubio made the remarks while testifying before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on National Security, Department of State and Related Programs, outlining the administration's concerns about Cuba's economic condition and its strategic partnerships with US adversaries.
During the hearing, Rubio argued that Cuba's long-standing economic model has failed and is no longer capable of sustaining the country's development.
"Cuba is two things. The first thing is it's a failed state," Rubio told lawmakers.
He said much of the Cuban economy is controlled by military-linked enterprises and that decades of economic mismanagement have contributed to persistent shortages of fuel, electricity and essential goods.
According to Rubio, the country's economic challenges have been compounded by the departure of large numbers of citizens over the past two decades.
The Secretary said Cuba has experienced a significant loss of skilled workers and professionals due to sustained migration, weakening its economic prospects.
"They've lost a lot of human capital as well," Rubio said.
He argued that the country's economic structure has struggled to generate growth despite substantial assets being controlled by entities linked to the military establishment.
The comments reflect continuing US concerns about Cuba's economic stability and its impact on regional migration patterns.
Beyond economic issues, Rubio identified Cuba's relationships with China and Russia as a major security concern for Washington.
He alleged that both countries operate intelligence-gathering facilities from Cuban territory and use the island as a platform for monitoring activities in the United States.
"The Chinese and the Russians operate intelligence collection facilities targeted at the southeastern United States from the island of Cuba," Rubio said.
He claimed such activities have been widely reported and continue to be monitored by US authorities.
Rubio also accused Cuba of maintaining links with groups and organisations that seek to challenge or destabilise governments aligned with the United States in Latin America.
According to him, Cuban influence can often be found behind political movements and disruptive activities targeting pro-American administrations in the region.
The Secretary argued that such involvement has contributed to political instability in parts of Latin America and remains a concern for US foreign policy.
Despite his criticism of the Cuban government, Rubio said the United States remains willing to support humanitarian assistance for the Cuban people.
He stated that Washington had offered to provide up to USD 100 million in humanitarian aid through independent organisations, including the Catholic Church and non-governmental groups, rather than through Cuban government institutions.
According to Rubio, previous assistance delivered through such channels had reached communities directly while avoiding state-controlled distribution systems.
Rubio noted that US policy towards Cuba continues to be shaped by existing legislation, including provisions under the Helms-Burton Act.
He said these statutory requirements limit the administration's flexibility when it comes to altering sanctions and broader policy measures directed at Havana.
(With inputs from IANS)
