Starmer Urges Trump to Acknowledge Chagos Islands Deal to Mitigate Tensions

Keir Starmer will meet Donald Trump to discuss various topics, including a UK-Mauritius Chagos Islands lease. The UK aims to secure its interests against potential tensions from China related to this strategic location. The agreement reflects security assessments and is crucial for the operational viability of the Diego Garcia base.

Keir Starmer is scheduled to meet with Donald Trump next Friday, primarily to discuss Ukraine’s future and a UK initiative for Gaza’s reconstruction, which would not require Palestinians to leave the region. In addition to these discussions, Starmer’s team plans to address the UK-Mauritius Chagos deal, which involves the UK leasing the Chagos Islands for 99 years amidst ongoing tensions surrounding their ownership.

The UK government aims to prevent US rejection of Mauritius’s claim to the Chagos Islands, a move they argue could exacerbate tensions comparable to the South China Sea disputes. Starmer’s group intends to highlight that the agreement rests on security assessments rather than adherence to international legal principles, which the Trump administration does not prioritize. Critics have raised concerns over this arrangement, although it allows the UK to maintain control of the islands for several decades.

An interim agreement was reached last year amidst preceding talks involving the Conservative Party, but recent developments following the re-election of Mauritian Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam indicate a need for renegotiation. UK Conservatives have been advocating against the deal, placing additional pressure on Starmer’s administration while the Biden administration had previously expressed support.

The UK acknowledges that the Trump administration has the authority to reconsider the deal’s implications for Diego Garcia. The government hopes for continued support from Pentagon officials involved in the earlier agreement, with an anticipated US decision forthcoming. Should the US reject the lease, the UK may withdraw from negotiations with Mauritius altogether.

The UK further contends that although a 2019 International Court of Justice opinion deemed the islands largely belong to Mauritius as advisory, it may become binding in the future, influencing maritime law and service provisions on the islands. They assert establishing a deal now would help remove the UK-US lease from complex geopolitical discussions.

In the absence of an agreement, concerns arise that China may leverage the territorial disputes to develop military installations on nearby islands, thus complicating security in the Indian Ocean similarly to the South China Sea situation. Downing Street noted that legal and security assessments indicate the viability of the base could be compromised without an agreement.

While the precise financial implications for British taxpayers regarding the lease remain undisclosed, UK officials contend that an estimated £18 billion figure is inaccurate. This deal is structured to address inflation and is designed to alleviate security concerns stemming from historical events surrounding the military base established in the 1960s and 1970s.

UK officials maintain that the suggested connections between the Mauritian government and China are unfounded, asserting that India serves as the region’s influential power. Additionally, Mauritius stands out for not engaging in China’s Belt and Road Initiative, signaling a preference for partnerships that align with its national interests.

In summary, Keir Starmer’s upcoming meeting with Donald Trump encompasses vital discussions on various geopolitical issues, including the Chagos Islands leasing agreement with Mauritius. This deal aims to secure the UK’s strategic interests while addressing potential Chinese influences in the region. As negotiations proceed, the UK emphasizes the necessity for a timely agreement to mitigate risks associated with the US military base on the islands, critical for maintaining stability in the Indian Ocean.

Original Source: www.theguardian.com