Diego Garcia’s 99-Year Secret Lease Revealed

The UK-Mauritius sovereignty transfer ensures Diego Garcia remains a vital joint military base for at least 99 more years.

Story Highlights

The UK transferred sovereignty of Diego Garcia to Mauritius in 2025.
The strategic military base will continue under UK-US operation for 99 years.
No evidence supports claims that China could take over the base.

UK-Mauritius Sovereignty Transfer Secures Base Operations

On May 22, 2025, a significant agreement was signed transferring the sovereignty of Diego Garcia from the UK to Mauritius. Despite this change, the military base’s operation remains secure, with the UK and US leasing it for 99 years, with a 40-year extension option. This agreement ensures that the strategic atoll, crucial for regional security, continues under the joint operation of two key Western allies.

This longstanding arrangement reflects the enduring importance of Diego Garcia in global military strategy, especially in the Indo-Pacific region. The base serves as a critical hub for the US military, facilitating operations and presence in a highly strategic area. The sovereignty transfer, while politically symbolic, does not alter the operational status quo, which remains a relief for defense experts and policymakers concerned about maintaining regional stability.

China’s Role in the Region

While concerns about China’s influence in the Indian Ocean have been growing, there is no evidence to support claims that China poses a direct threat to US operations at Diego Garcia. China’s strategy in the region primarily involves economic investments and diplomatic relations with neighboring countries. However, the US maintains a vigilant watch on China’s activities to ensure that its military assets and strategic interests remain protected.

The ongoing geopolitical dynamics in the Indo-Pacific region require a robust presence by the United States and its allies. Diego Garcia, with its strategic location, allows rapid deployment and logistical support for military operations, reinforcing US commitments to regional allies and partners. The base’s continued operation is crucial for countering potential threats and ensuring peace and stability.

Conclusion: A Secure Future for Diego Garcia

Despite changes in regional sovereignty, the future of Diego Garcia as a joint UK-US military base remains secure. This arrangement underscores the strategic partnership between the UK and the US, ensuring that the base continues to play a vital role in global military operations. While vigilance against potential threats, including those from China, is essential, current agreements provide a robust framework for continued operations.

The United States faces a mounting strategic threat to its "Footprint of Freedom" military base on Diego Garcia, as a controversial sovereignty transfer between the United Kingdom and Mauritius moves toward a volatile ratification phase.

On December 8, 2025, the UN Committee on… pic.twitter.com/x2PyqqND4m

— Spotlight on China (@spotlightoncn) January 1, 2026

The strategic importance of Diego Garcia cannot be understated, and its role in regional security is paramount. The recent sovereignty transfer represents a diplomatic shift but leaves the operational status of the base unchanged. This stability ensures that the US and its allies can continue to project power and maintain peace in an increasingly complex global landscape.