China says US 'spreading rumours' with talk of China setting up Cuba spy station

China's foreign ministry on Friday said "spreading rumours and slander" is a common U.S. tactic, following a media report that China has reached a deal with Cuba to set up an electronic eavesdropping facility on the island.

Citing U.S. officials familiar with classified intelligence, the Wall Street Journal said such a spy installation would allow Beijing to gather electronic communications from the southeastern United States, home many U.S. military bases, as well as monitor ship traffic.