# Trump's Diego Garcia Deal Backfires

> Trump's reversal on Diego Garcia treaty sparks China and Russia to exploit U.S. military weakness.
- Title: Trump's Diego Garcia Deal Backfires · Foreign Policy
- Summary: Trump's reversal on Diego Garcia treaty sparks China and Russia to exploit U.S. military weakness. Trump's abrupt opposition to the Chagos Islands treaty…
- Keywords: trump, diego garcia, chagos islands, mauritius, chagos treaty, u.s. military base, chagossians, china, russia, Trump's, Diego, Garcia
- Source: Foreign Policy — https://foreignpolicy.com/2026/10/21/diego-garcia-trump-uk-mauritius-china-chagos-islands-treaty-military
- Author: Derek Grossman
- Published: 2026-10-21T00:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: trump, diego garcia, chagos islands, mauritius, uk, chagos treaty, u.s. military base, chagossians, china, russia
## Diego Garcia's Strategic Importance
Diego Garcia, a British-administered atoll in the central Indian Ocean, is claimed by Mauritius and hosts a key U.S.-British military base.
## Treaty Agreement Details
London and Port Louis agreed in 2024 to transfer sovereignty over Diego Garcia to Mauritius, formalizing the deal in May 2025 under a 99-year lease with a 40-year extension option.
## Trump's Initial Support
In May 2025, Secretary of State Marco Rubio praised the treaty as securing the long-term operation of the Diego Garcia military facility with Trump's personal endorsement.
## Trump's Sudden Reversal
On Jan. 20, 2026, Trump criticized Britain's move as 'GREAT STUPIDITY', claiming China and Russia exploited U.S. military weakness.

> There is no doubt that China and Russia have noticed this act of total weakness.
## Two Triggers for Reversal
Trump was angered by Britain's defense of Danish sovereignty over Greenland and Kemi Badenoch's objections to the Chagos agreement with U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson.
## U.S. State Department's Support
The State Department reiterated support for the treaty in February 2026, but Trump publicly urged Prime Minister Starmer to abandon it the next day.

> DO NOT GIVE AWAY DIEGO GARCIA
## Tehran's Missile Test
Tehran fired two ballistic missiles toward Diego Garcia in March 2026, though neither struck the island.
## Chagossian Divisions
Some Chagossians welcome Trump's holdup of the treaty due to distrust of Mauritius, while others believe he blocks unification.
## India's Position
India welcomed the original treaty as a 'milestone achievement' for decolonization but fears weakened U.S. military presence on Diego Garcia.
## China's Strategic Move
China criticized the treaty as 'hegemonic mentality' and reaffirmed support for Mauritian sovereignty over Diego Garcia.

> hegemonic mentality
## Treaty's Military Implications
The treaty prohibits other military forces without British approval, but concerns persist about China accessing Diego Garcia through civilian facilities.
## Consequence for U.S. Strategy
Trump's actions have scored an own goal by reinforcing China's narrative that Washington disregards smaller states' sovereignty.
## Key takeaway

Trump's abrupt opposition to the Chagos Islands treaty with Mauritius undermines U.S. military strategy in the Indian Ocean, angering China and Russia while deepening divisions among Chagossians.