Diego Garcia Crucial for Indo-Pacific Security and Countering China: US

Washington- Highlighting the strategic significance of the US naval support facility at Diego Garcia, American lawmakers and a senior State Department official have emphasised that securing Indian Ocean sea lanes is vital for countering China’s expanding influence in the Indo-Pacific region.

During a House subcommittee hearing on South and Central Asia, Congressman Bill Huizenga described the Indian Ocean as one of the world’s busiest maritime routes, carrying over 80 per cent of global seaborne oil trade and serving as a lifeline for international commerce and energy supplies.

Huizenga stressed that strengthening naval cooperation with allies and partner nations would help counter China’s growing regional influence and prevent destabilising activities. He also highlighted the importance of the US naval base at Diego Garcia, noting that maintaining America’s strong military presence in the region would deter Chinese coercion, combat piracy, and ensure the uninterrupted flow of global trade.

Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Paul Kapur also underscored the Indian Ocean’s central role in the Indo-Pacific strategy. He explained that the concept of the Indo-Pacific recognises the interconnection between the Pacific Ocean, the Indian Ocean, and even the eastern coast of Africa, requiring a comprehensive and coordinated approach to regional security.

Speaking specifically about Diego Garcia, Kapur described the base as a strategically vital outpost, particularly for projecting air power. He added that the US President considers the facility a critical asset in maintaining regional stability.

Lawmakers also expressed concern over China’s expanding infrastructure investments in Indian Ocean nations. Kapur warned that smaller countries in the region hold significant strategic importance due to their geographical locations and stressed the need to ensure their strategic independence.

He cautioned against China’s alleged use of predatory lending practices, citing Sri Lanka’s Hambantota Port, which is leased to China for 99 years, as an example of potential risks associated with such development projects.

Addressing Chinese investments in the Maldives, Kapur acknowledged Beijing’s growing interest and said the United States must provide credible and transparent alternatives. He highlighted the importance of offering high-quality infrastructure investments, financial support, technological cooperation, and private sector participation as sustainable options for regional partners.

The discussions reflected bipartisan concern in the US regarding China’s efforts to expand its economic and strategic influence across critical maritime chokepoints in the Indian Ocean. The region remains essential for global energy supply routes and international trade.

Located in the British Indian Ocean Territory, Diego Garcia has long served as a major US logistics and air operations hub supporting military and strategic missions across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. The Indian Ocean’s sea lanes connect energy-producing Gulf nations with major markets across Asia and other parts of the world, making maritime access and infrastructure control a key factor in the strategic competition between the United States and China.

With inputs from IANS