Written question asked by Andrew Rosindell (Conservative) on Monday, 7 April 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 22 April 2025. It was answered by Stephen Doughty (Labour) on Monday, 28 April 2025 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

China: Cook Islands

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 25 March 2025 to Question 38547 on China: Cook Islands, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of that strategic agreement on his negotiations on the proposed treaty with the Government of Mauritius on the sovereignty of the British Indian Ocean Territory.

Answer: Under the agreement we will retain full control over Diego Garcia with robust provisions to keep adversaries out. These include unrestricted access to and use of the base for the UK and US; a buffer zone around Diego Garcia; a comprehensive mechanism to ensure no activity in the other islands threatens base operations; and a ban on the presence of any foreign security forces. This will ensure the long term secure and effective operation of the base well into the next century.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 44421
Session: 2024-26
Related items: China: Cook Islands
Tuesday, 25 March 2025
Written questions
House of Commons; Chagos Islands: Sovereignty
Monday, 12 May 2025
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects: British Indian Ocean Territory China Foreign relations Mauritius Treaties New Zealand Cook Islands
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk