Deal with Mauritius could let China control trade routes & gather data on UK-US base, Diego Garcia, posing threats to global order and security.
A new report says a deal with Chagos aids China. China could control key trade routes. This could hurt the global economy and Western shipping.
China may use spy ships disguised as fishing boats. They would gather data on the US-UK base on Diego Garcia. China might install secret military bases on nearby islands. This would weaken the base’s effectiveness.
The deal could shift power in Mauritius toward China. This raises doubts about UK’s deal conditions.
Mauritius hopes to sign the deal soon, maybe March 12. This date is their Independence Day. Discussions between leaders seemed positive.
Washington DC is worried. Donald Trump fears China gaining military power there.
The deal leases Diego Garcia to Britain for 99 years. It costs £9 billion to keep the UK and US base.
The Council on Geostrategy think tank warned of China’s threat.
Jennifer Parker says control of sea routes is key. The Indian Ocean is central to this competition. Two-thirds of global oil passes through these lanes. One-third of bulk cargo does too.
China invests heavily in regional ports and airports. They invested over £1.2 million in Mauritius during 2022. A 20-year loan built Mauritius International Airport.
Mauritius seems closer to India, which opposes China. A power shift could give China influence.
Experts warn China ignores inconvenient agreements. They violated the Hong Kong agreement. This shows their disregard for rules.
Peter Dutton warns of swift action from Beijing if Mauritius changes.
Diego Garcia protects against global order decline. Losing Chagos weakens Britain and America. This reduces their ability to keep order. It also hurts support for allies.
China may use fishing rights from Mauritius as a cover.
Grant Rafferty says China uses fishing ships as military aids. Called Maritime Militia, they gather data. These ships collect submarine locations and port activity.
Developing islands economically could hide military surveillance gear. It would target the Diego Garcia base.
In 2018, data was stolen from the African Union headquarters. The data went to Shanghai for years. China built this headquarters.
Keir Starmer cites a 2019 court ruling to justify the deal. The court said the UK’s expulsion of Chagossians was illegal. They called for decolonization.
This ruling was not legally binding. The government stopped negotiating due to security threats.
Alicia Kearns states Mauritius never owned the islands. The deal doesn’t help Chagossians.
The court ruling concerns the 1968 expulsions. No Chagossian agreement enables Mauritian control.
Mauritius now threatens prison for challenging their control.
Chagossians who disagree could face jail if they return home.
The government pays Mauritius, yet ignores Chagossians’ concerns. This happens because of a non-binding court decision.
