Best known for its beaches and culture, Puerto Rico is also considered by many to be a strategic stronghold, giving the U.S. a critical edge as China and Russia expand their presence in the Caribbean.

"Puerto Rico, being geo-strategically located, provides us, as part of the nation, to...buy-in to our national security and to ensure that our national assets can be positioned here for deterrence in the region," said Secretary of Puerto Rico's Department of Public Safety, Art Garffer, who also serves as Homeland Security Advisor.

Over the last decade, China and Russia have focused in on the Caribbean basin. Beijing has invested billions on trade and infrastructure deals, while also establishing a spy base in Cuba. Meanwhile, Moscow has taken a more threatening approach, with weapons sales,

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