Lafayette Reporter

Senator John Kennedy (R-La.) has voiced support for the Trump administration's initial steps to prevent the transfer of the Diego Garcia military base, located on the Chagos Islands, from British to Mauritian control. The senator emphasized the strategic importance of maintaining U.S. sovereignty over the base due to Mauritius' close ties with China.

Kennedy highlighted that Diego Garcia is crucial as it is one of the few global sites where U.S. submarines can be reloaded. He criticized President Biden and Vice President Harris, claiming they are relinquishing control of this key military asset. Kennedy expressed concern about the influence of the United Nations in urging the United Kingdom to cede control and questioned its Human Rights Council's credibility by citing member countries like Somalia, Iraq, Venezuela, and China.

The senator also warned that China would benefit from such a transfer due to its growing relationship with Mauritius and potential control over security in the region. Kennedy accused President Biden and Vice President Harris of attempting to appease both China and the United Nations at a significant cost to U.S. foreign policy interests.

This situation arose after an announcement on October 3 by the UK regarding a deal with Mauritius concerning sovereignty over the Chagos Islands, following pressure from international bodies like the UN. Reports suggest that there was pressure from the Biden administration for this agreement before upcoming elections in both nations.

In response, Kennedy wrote to Secretary of State Antony Blinken seeking clarification on U.S. involvement in these negotiations and authored an op-ed demanding accountability from President Biden's administration regarding their decision-making process.

Rep. Mike Waltz (R-Fla.), nominated by President-elect Trump for National Security Advisor, echoed these concerns about China's potential gains from such a power shift. Similarly, Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Trump's nominee for Secretary of State, labeled this development as a threat to national security interests in the Indian Ocean.