Trump sees risk to US military bases

Trump warns of «vulnerability» of Chagos defence deal due to possible Chinese actions

According to the British newspaper The Telegraph, Donald Trump called on the administration and allies to pay attention to the potential security risks to the United States associated with the provisions of the new defence agreement on the Chagos archipelago.

Trump argues that the current wording of the agreement may include Loopholes in control mechanisms, that would allow Chinese reconnaissance boats, submarines, or unmanned platforms to approach strategic targets without being properly tracked.

Why Chagos are important

The British Chagos Territory contains one of the key US military bases - the Diego Garcia - which plays a critical role in controlling the Indian Ocean. It is home to:

• logistics centres

• intelligence systems

• means to support operations in a large region

It is the proximity to important sea routes that makes Chagos an important element of the Allies' defence architecture.

Statements and reactions

Trump has allegedly sent signals to the UK government asking it to reconsider the terms of the deal more carefully in order to Strengthen security guarantees and eliminate all possible loopholes for third-party access, In particular, China.

At the time of publication, there were no official comments from the US and UK governments on Trump's statements. Representatives of both countries refrain from publicly assessing the potential vulnerabilities of the agreement.

Context.

The Chagos defence agreements have long been a strategic element of cooperation between the United States and the United Kingdom. They allow us to maintain a presence in regions that are critical to global security and maritime trade.

However, China's growing naval activity in the Indian Ocean region makes it necessary to maintain attention to any potential «vulnerabilities» in the allies' defence system.