DIEGO GARCIA: WILL THE MYSTERIOUS U.S. NAVAL BASE FALL TO CHINA?
In the middle of the Indian Ocean lies a secretive United States military base – Diego Garcia. It has proven to be strategically vital and a launchpad for Middle East military operations. Located on a remote island outside of the U.S., this base occupies a territory that was formerly in possession of the British Empire. Over the years, this island (that now doubles as a U.S. military base) has been at the center of many high-profile conspiracy theories. And, it is notorious for being shrouded in mystery. With only military personnel and island natives allowed to step foot on the island, and a level of secrecy higher than Guantanamo Bay, it’s no wonder that many have come to question what really occurs inside Diego Garcia. However, in 2024, a new deal involving Great Britain and Mauritius could put the status of this naval base into question. Britain is giving up sovereignty of the Chagos Islands. While proponents applaud the move, opponents believe that China could gain the upper hand in the long run.
Where Is Diego Garcia Located?
The island of Diego Garcia is a British Indian Ocean Territory near the tip of India. This military installation is located in the Chagos Archipelago, which is a group of seven atolls. Diego Garcia is shaped like a horseshoe, is 4 feet above sea level, and has 6,720 acres of land. The island is 14 miles long and 4 miles wide, surrounding one of the most beautiful natural harbors in the world. Diego Garcia is a living coral atoll and was once a living volcano. This tropical island experiences heavy rainfall year-round and is heavily vegetated with native trees and coconut palms.
Diego Garcia Island History
The initial discovery of the island has been disputed, but it’s been suggested that it was first discovered during an early 16th-century Portuguese voyage. The first map that officially named the island “Diego Garcia” was published in 1599 and was created by Edward Wright, an explorer. After the publication of the map, the island remained uninhabited for over 200 years. In 1965, the British Indian Ocean Territory was created, and Diego Garcia was solidified as an entity. Seven years later, the British and the U.S. governments signed an agreement related to the construction of a U.S. Naval Communication Station on the island. This facility was designed to improve U.S. and British government communications in the Indian Ocean for both ships and aircraft. Additionally, the Naval Support Facility on Diego Garcia was intended to expand the U.S. defense communications network. The United States built a permanent base in just two years, and by the 1980s, the island of Diego Garcia became a full-scale Naval Support Facility. Soon, the island was used for routine operations and crisis response.
Diego Garcia Military Base
Also known as the “Footprint of Freedom,” this secretive naval base is still in operation today. It's an installation home to thousands of American troops, sophisticated radar, space tracking, and a communications facility. The Diego Garcia naval base is used for long-range bomber operations, Special Forces staging, and the replenishment of both nuclear-powered submarines and naval surface forces. The base’s mission is to provide critical support to the U.S. and allied forces who are deployed to the Indian Ocean. Diego Garcia’s support facility also aids AFRICOM, EUCOM, CENTCOM, and PACOM overseas contingency operations.
Diego Garcia Conspiracy Theories
War on Terror Prison Site
Diego Garcia has been home to several controversies since the late 1960s, when the Chagossians were forcibly removed from the island by the British government. Conspiracy theories began circulation again in 2008, after a Time magazine exposé claimed that a secret “War on Terror” prison existed on the island from 2002–2006. It was also speculated that the prison was used as a CIA black site where detainees were held and tortured. The U.S. military released a statement denying the claims, but several accounts from high-ranking personnel and sources claimed that prisoners of war were held and interrogated on the island.
The Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370
The most popular and widely circulated conspiracy theory is that the Diego Garcia Navy base is the possible location of the missing Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370. For years, the base was believed to be the airplane’s location because of its remote location and runway, large enough to accommodate a commercial aircraft. This theory was deemed credible after it was discovered that the island landing strip was programmed into the MH370 pilot’s home flight simulator. Some claim that the plane was shot down by the U.S. due to hackers taking control of the Boeing 777, as they are particularly vulnerable to hacking. Another theory was that the U.S. shot down the plane and tried to cover it up. Many believe that the event of the plane turning off its communications, flying low, and changing course wouldn’t have gone unnoticed by military intelligence. One of the most widespread and intriguing conspiracy theories, the truth behind what actually happened to the MH370 flight still remains a mystery.
Can You Visit Diego Garcia?
Entry into Diego Garcia is restricted and requires area clearance by the U.S. Navy Support Facility stationed on the island. Only DoD civilian personnel, unaccompanied military, and authorized contractors are permitted access to the island. Due to the secrecy of the island, DoD or military couples are not allowed to be concurrently assigned to Diego Garcia. Tours in Diego Garcia typically last a year; however, some civilian personnel have been stationed in Diego Garcia for as long as 15 years.
Base Transportation
The primary modes of transportation on the base are bicycles, buses, and plain old walking, as personally owned vehicles are not allowed on the island.Bicycles are by far the most popular form of transportation on the island. However, if you are choosing to use this mode of transportation, make sure to check out the rules first.Bells or horns are required, as well as a front (white) and rear (red) light when riding after dark. Additionally, a helmet must be worn at all times when riding.If riding a bike doesn’t suit your fancy, you’re in luck because the Diego Garcia military base offers a free shuttle bus.The shuttle bus runs every 15 minutes from 6:00 a.m. to midnight and every 30 minutes from 12:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m.Government work vehicles and base taxis also travel around the island, but they are for official use only.
Diego Garcia Crimes: A Dark Chapter for the US
On February 15th, 2023, the Human Rights Watch released a report that included details of U.S. and UK government crimes against the Chagossians. This indigenous group was forcibly displaced when the military base on Diego Garcia was being constructed. In this report, it was disclosed that the U.S. military secretly paid the UK $14 million for the rights to deport the Chagossians. To date, the U.S. has not apologized, offered assistance, or properly compensated those who were exiled from Diego Garcia. This new report sheds light on the ongoing abuse and crimes against Indigenous people. The story of the Chagossian people is one of courage, perseverance, bravery, and endurance. Moving forward, the U.S. must begin to right the wrongdoings of the past.
Is Diego Garcia at Risk of Falling to China?
A new deal struck in 2024 over the island of Diego Garcia is sparking change that many say is overdue; however, in doing so, opponents are concerned that giving back control of the location to Mauritius will give an advantage to China.
Britain Is Giving Up Control of the Chagos Islands
Britain is transferring sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, which supporters believe will secure the future of the Diego Garcia military base, used by both Americans and the UK.Furthermore, many displaced native people will be able to return to their homeland as a result of the deal.President Joe Biden is among those supporting the deal, with many leaders emphasizing that the agreement is good for global security.
Why the Deal With Mauritius Is Happening
The Chagos Islands have been under British control since 1814, officially detaching them from Mauritius in 1965, which would create the British Indian Ocean Territory.In 1968, Mauritius would become independent. However, in the early 1970s, nearly 2,000 residents were forcibly relocated to Mauritius and the Seychelles to make way for the Diego Garcia military base.Finally, in 2019, the United Nations General Assembly passed a nonbinding resolution with the intention of having Britain return the archipelago to Mauritius, emphasizing the injustice inflicted on natives.
Pushback From the Chagossian Community
While the UN is pushing Britain to right its wrongs, not everyone is on board.Specifically, because while the goal is to help native people return home, not everyone is being included.Chagossian Voices, an advocate group for Chagos Islanders, is condemning the exclusion of their people from returning back home and the frustration that stems from not having a say in the proceedings.In 2016, Britain extended the lease on Diego Garcia until 2036 and was not allowing displaced people to return to their homeland.The recent agreement permits Mauritius to use its government to determine where displaced people can return while establishing a resettlement program on the islands—except Diego Garcia.
Could China Influence the American Presence on Diego Garcia?
Those supporting the Chagossian people aren’t the only critics of the deal affecting the archipelago. Some experts believe that giving back the territory is a win for China.Mauritius and China are strong trading partners. They believe that in the long term, the deal is detrimental to American and British security.While the U.S. State Department remains certain that this deal helps Diego Garcia, time will tell whether or not China gains even more influence in the Indian Ocean as a result of giving back the territory.Suggested reads:
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Image: USGS/NASA Landsat data/Gallo Images/Getty Images
Updated by Buddy Blouin