The British government is defending its decision to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius after U.S. President Donald Trump criticized the move. Trump called it an act of stupidity on Tuesday, He argued that it weakens national security. He also linked it to his interest in acquiring Greenland. The United Kingdom and Mauritius signed a deal in May that allows the U.K. to lease back Diego Garcia where a vital U.S. military base is located for at least 99 years. The U.S. government welcomed the agreement at the time and emphasized its importance for security operations. But Britain’s opposition parties have raised concerns about increased Chinese access to the region.
