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Chagos Islands: Sovereignty

Asked by Priti PatelConservativeForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled Answered 26 June 2025UIN 59309

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the Prime Minister’s oral contribution at Prime Ministers Questions on 11 June 2025, Official Report, column 969, on what evidential basis he said that (a) China, (b) Russia and (c) Iran are opposed to the treaty with Mauritius.

Answered by Stephen Doughty

The deal to secure the base on Diego Garcia is vital for our national security.

Our Five Eyes allies - the US, Australia, New Zealand, Canada - as well as India, South Korea and Japan, all put out formal statements welcoming the deal.

There are clear safeguards in the treaty, including a clear prohibition to prevent any other foreign security forces, civilian or military - including the Chinese - from establishing themselves on the outer islands.

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