Why Trump Keeps Attacking Britain's Chagos Islands Deal

Donald Trump has renewed his attack on UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's plan to hand over sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. What looks like a territorial dispute is actually about something much bigger: China containment and Indo-Pacific military strategy.

The Islands That Matter More Than Their Size

The Chagos archipelago consists of 65 small islands in the middle of the Indian Ocean. Britain has controlled them since 1965, but Mauritius claims they were illegally separated during decolonization. The International Court of Justice sided with Mauritius in 2019.

The real issue isn't the islands themselves—it's the Diego Garcia military base. Home to 3,000 US troops, it serves as America's most strategic outpost between the Middle East and Asia. The base was crucial during operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, and remains vital for projecting power across the Indo-Pacific.

Starmer's October deal would transfer sovereignty to Mauritius while keeping the US base operational for 99 years. It's a compromise designed to satisfy international law while preserving military interests. But Trump isn't buying it.

Trump's China Calculus

Trump's opposition boils down to one word: China. His argument is straightforward—once Mauritius gains sovereignty, Beijing will find ways to gain influence over these strategically vital waters.

The concern isn't theoretical. China has already pledged $1 billion in infrastructure investments to Mauritius, covering ports, roads, and telecommunications. It's part of Beijing's Belt and Road Initiative, and follows a familiar pattern.

The 99-year lease might sound secure, but Trump's team points to Sri Lanka's Hambantota Port as a cautionary tale. When Sri Lanka couldn't repay Chinese loans, it had to lease the port to China for—you guessed it—99 years. Could the same happen with Chagos?

Britain's Impossible Position

The UK faces a classic diplomatic squeeze. Legally, Mauritius has a strong case—even Britain's own courts have acknowledged this. But politically, defying America's incoming president carries obvious risks for the "special relationship."

Domestically, Starmer faces fierce criticism from Conservative opponents who frame this as "giving away British territory." Meanwhile, legal experts argue it's about correcting a historical injustice that can't be delayed indefinitely.

Then there's the £3 billion ($3.7 billion) Britain has agreed to pay Mauritius as part of the deal. In an era of tight budgets and economic uncertainty, that's a substantial commitment for what critics see as strategic retreat.

The Mauritius Wild Card

Mauritius isn't just a passive recipient in this drama. The island nation has skillfully played great powers against each other, securing investments from China while maintaining ties with India and the West.

Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth has framed the Chagos issue as anti-colonial justice, gaining support across the Global South. But his government also needs Chinese investment to develop its economy beyond tourism and textiles.

This dual approach gives Mauritius leverage—and creates the very scenario Trump fears. Even with a 99-year lease, political changes in Port Louis could complicate American operations.

The Bigger Strategic Picture

The Chagos dispute reflects broader tensions in US alliance management. America wants allies to share burdens but also wants control over key decisions. Britain wants to be seen as a responsible international actor while maintaining its security partnership with Washington.

For China, the controversy is a win-win. If the deal proceeds, Beijing gains potential influence over a strategic location. If it collapses, US-UK relations suffer strain. Either outcome serves Chinese interests in the Indo-Pacific competition.

The timing matters too. As America pivots to Asia and concerns about Chinese expansion grow, every strategic outpost becomes more valuable. Chagos sits astride key shipping lanes and provides unmatched access to both the Indian Ocean and Persian Gulf.