Diego Garcia, a strategic island in the Indian Ocean, has become a focal point in the geopolitical rivalry between the US and China. The importance of the island has grown manyfold after the US stationed B-2 bombers in the region, which led China to enhance its military presence.
Situated in the central Indian Ocean, Diego Garcia is an island that belongs to the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) and has been leased by the US for strategic military use since the 1970s. Strategically positioned, Diego Garcia enables the US to project power into the Indian Ocean and observe Chinese naval activities.
The deployment of B-2 nuclear bomber planes by the US has generated unease in China over the US's military intentions in the region. In retaliation, China has started to reinforce its military presence in the region, including the establishment of a military base in the neighboring island country of Seychelles.
Diego Garcia's strategic value goes beyond its military relevance. The island is also a key point in the worldwide system of undersea cables, through which a high percentage of the world's internet communications flow. Dominance over these cables provides the US enormous influence over worldwide communications.
The deepening tensions between China and the US in the Indian Ocean are of great consequence for regional security and international stability. As long as the US and China are engaged in their rivalry for regional influence, Diego Garcia is certain to be an important focal point in their conflict.
China has in the recent past enhanced its military presence in the Indian Ocean through the deployment of naval ships and the establishment of military bases in nations like Djibouti and Pakistan. The US has in return deepened its military alliances with nations in the region, including Sri Lanka and India.
The US and China tensions in the Indian Ocean are also influenced by rival economic interests. The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) by China, which is a giant infrastructure development undertaking, seeks to link China to the rest of Asia, Europe, and Africa. The US has retaliated with its economic programs, among them the Asia EDGE (Enhancing Development and Growth through Energy) initiative.
As the competition between China and the US keeps intensifying, Diego Garcia is most likely to continue being a pivotal point in the Indian Ocean. The strategic value of the island, as well as its function in international communications, makes it a highly sought-after commodity in the struggle for influence in the region.