Sen. Collins on Chinese spy base in Cuba: ‘Unacceptable’

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FLV) – Sen. Jay Collins, R-Tampa, condemned the Biden administration for not standing up to China as they are set to reportedly construct a military base in Cuba.

China and Cuba are engaged in ongoing discussions to establish a collaborative military training facility on the island nation, situated just 100 miles from the United States’ mainland.

Speaking exclusively to Florida’s Voice, Collins urged the Biden administration to take the Chinese threat “seriously” and criticized the president for not “being strong.”

“Rather than being strong in the face of our enemy, Biden continues to kowtow down and pander to Xi Jinping – it’s unacceptable,” Collins said.

As per a senior U.S. official, Beijing and Havana are currently engaged in discussions regarding the nature of training activities and the potential leadership structure for a joint military facility.

News of the base follows Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s recent visit to China, during which he held a meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.

Collins also reaffirmed his support for Gov. Ron DeSantis’s presidential campaign and his belief in the governor’s ability to deal with China.

“Under Governor DeSantis you see what Florida has done. That type of courage, candor, commitment, dedication to serving our state and our country is what we need,” Collins said.

“We’ve got to put China back in their place and understand that we, the United States of America, stand for something and we will stand up to people like China.”