During a Senate hearing, Senator John Kennedy expressed worries about the Diego Garcia military base’s future. He cautioned against actions that could enhance Chinese influence in the Indian Ocean through the Chagos Islands dispute. Kennedy criticized British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s alleged plans involving the Chagos Islands and Mauritius, citing concerns about potential threats to US strategic interests.
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth emphasized the strategic importance of Diego Garcia while refraining from directly supporting Kennedy’s remarks. He highlighted the critical role of the US facility in future military operations. Kennedy further accused Starmer of negotiating a deal that could weaken Western security interests in the Indian Ocean, to which Hegseth acknowledged President Trump’s concerns.
The Pentagon chief cautioned that proposed arrangements concerning the islands might impose operational limitations on US forces. Hegseth criticized previous deals involving Diego Garcia, indicating potential restrictions that US troops could face. Kennedy urged the administration not to approve any agreement that could jeopardize American military access to the base, seeking assurance that Trump would not agree to such terms.
The discussion underscored Washington’s apprehensions regarding China’s expanding presence in the Indian Ocean region and its deepening connections with smaller island nations. US lawmakers have repeatedly cautioned against Beijing’s efforts to increase its influence near crucial maritime routes and military installations. Diego Garcia stands as a vital US military base, supporting logistics, intelligence, and operations across the Middle East, Africa, and the Indo-Pacific, playing significant roles in past conflicts and current power projection efforts.
