U.K.’s Chagos Islands Deal with Mauritius Could Open Indian Ocean Door to China

A former naval chief warns that transferring the U.K.-U.S. Diego Garcia base risks boosting Beijing's influence in a key strategic region.
  • Defensemirror.com bureau
  • 06:01 AM, January 13, 2025
  • 1300
U.K.’s Chagos Islands Deal with Mauritius Could Open Indian Ocean Door to China
Chagos Islands @via bfbs Forces News

A report by the think tank Policy Exchange has raised alarm over the U.K. Government’s plan to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, warning that it could pave the way for increased Chinese influence in the Indian Ocean.

Admiral Lord West, a former First Sea Lord and Labour peer, has strongly opposed the deal, citing significant risks to British and allied security.

The Chagos Islands, home to the strategically vital Diego Garcia military base, have been at the center of geopolitical tensions. The base, jointly operated by the U.K. and U.S., is critical for naval operations and long-range bomber deployments, serving as a key asset in the region’s security framework.

Admiral Lord West expressed concerns about the growing military and diplomatic presence of China in the Indian Ocean and its strengthening ties with Mauritius. He described the Government’s plan to cede sovereignty as an “irresponsible act” that risks undermining Western strategic interests.

"China's activities in the Indian Ocean are expanding rapidly," Lord West warned. "Surrendering control of Diego Garcia would jeopardize a vital strategic asset and open the door for Beijing to increase its influence in a region critical to global security."

The report describes the decision as a "senseless strategic unforced error," arguing that the transfer of sovereignty could undermine the U.K.’s ability to counter threats in the region effectively.

The U.K. Government defended the agreement, which was first announced in October last year. A Foreign Office spokesperson stated, “Finalizing a deal – on our terms – means we can secure protections from malign influence, ensuring the base remains operational into the next century.”

Despite these assurances, the agreement has drawn criticism from prominent opposition figures and within the Government. Shadow Foreign Secretary Dame Priti Patel and Shadow Defense Secretary James Cartlidge expressed concerns about the lack of explicit provisions for Diego Garcia’s defense. In a letter to the Prime Minister, they called the deal’s ambiguity "entirely unacceptable."

As global tensions rise, the Indian Ocean remains a focal point of strategic competition, particularly with China’s Belt and Road Initiative and expanding naval presence in the region. Experts warn that ceding sovereignty of the Chagos Islands could embolden China and weaken Western influence in one of the world’s most critical maritime regions.

The deal has also faced pushback from the United States, with reports suggesting that the incoming Trump administration is likely to oppose the plan, despite previous support from outgoing President Joe Biden’s administration.

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