Trump is expected to approve the agreement on the Chagos Archipelago following new security commitments by Starmer and intensive lobbying by British and American officials with the U.S. intelligence community. Multiple British sources said the White House has shifted its stance, with the key being additional guarantees for the joint U.S.-U.K. military base at Diego Garcia. The British emphasized that the arrangement for transferring sovereignty of the Chagos Archipelago to Mauritius would only proceed if Trump explicitly supported it. The plan includes Britain relinquishing the islands and leasing back the base for a 990-year term at a cost of about £3.5 billion in cash. The agreement has sparked controversy due to geopolitical and legal risks. The Starmer government stated that without a legal agreement to complete the transfer of sovereignty, the base's operations could face litigation challenges. Opponents argue that this move amounts to "concession" and worry about the future influence of China on the base. Trump had previously publicly criticized the plan, prompting urgent diplomatic negotiations in Whitehall. The negotiations involved the UK's National Security Advisor, the foreign service, Downing Street, the U.S. State Department, and intelligence agencies; the UK Defense Secretary also had calls with Herschel. Both sides reaffirmed the "strategic importance" of Diego Garcia and agreed to continue cooperation to ensure the base's operations. According to British sources, Trump is expected to give verbal final approval during his second call on Wednesday evening.
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Original: toutiao.com/article/1856266179887116/
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