What happened
President Donald Trump has expressed opposition to a British plan to give Mauritius sovereignty over the US-UK base on Diego Garcia, calling it a “terrible deal.” The base, which covers the Indian Ocean, the Middle East, and East Africa, is currently leased by the UK from Mauritius. However, the proposed treaty would put the base on a 99-year lease, extendable by 40 years only if Mauritius agrees, and would require Britain to inform Mauritius of any armed attack launched from the base on a third state.
The US is concerned that Mauritius, which has deep ties to China, could potentially allow Chinese intelligence collection near the runway or even terminate the lease if Britain misses a payment. China has already financed a $260 million airport expansion in Mauritius and has a free-trade deal with the country.
The White House has floated a workaround, which would involve Britain transferring sovereignty to Mauritius and then buying the islands back. However, Mauritius has stated that its sovereignty is “nonnegotiable,” and the US is now considering alternative options.
One possible solution would be for Britain to drop the treaty and retain sovereignty over Diego Garcia, with the US and UK maintaining a joint base on the island. The US could also guarantee use of the facility, including for operations against third countries, and London and Washington could each have a veto over sensitive non-NATO investment.
The Chagossians, who were expelled from the island between 1968 and 1973 to make way for the base, could also be offered a return to the outer islands, with a resettlement package and the right to run civil life on those atolls.
