Mauritius faces urgent needs, such as water supply and infrastructure. Kwang Poon, a geo-strategist, emphasizes these challenges over new parliamentary buildings. The recent strategic partnership with India highlights its growing assertiveness amid global rivalries involving the US, France, and China. Mauritius aims to enhance its status as a trans-shipment hub while managing these international interests effectively.
Mauritius is currently facing pressing issues, particularly concerning water supply and infrastructure. Kwang Poon, a geo-strategist in Port Louis, suggests that these necessities should take precedence over developing new parliamentary buildings. He emphasizes that focusing on essential resources, like water treatment plants, is crucial, likening the parliament building to a mere “cherry on the cake.”
The strategic partnership between India and Mauritius, highlighted during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit, indicates India’s growing assertiveness amid intensifying rivalries in the Indian Ocean region. According to Mr. Poon, due to its geographical position, Mauritius has historically witnessed competition among global powers, including the US, France, China, and Japan.
French President Emmanuel Macron’s upcoming visit signals a strengthening of ties, capitalizing on historical connections from the island’s colonial past. The presence of French tourists and the widespread use of the French language in Mauritius further underscore this longstanding relationship. Simultaneously, China’s significant market presence in Mauritius persists, although the country has not actively participated in China’s Belt and Road Initiative, possibly due to India’s disapproval.
With the recent thaw in relations between India and China, Mr. Poon reflects on the potential impacts this might have on Mauritius. Moreover, the trade dynamics influenced by the US-China tariff conflict could result in increased trade flows between China and various African nations, including Mauritius, enhancing its strategic position as a trans-shipment point between Africa and China.
Mauritius aims to become a leading trans-shipment hub, striving to achieve volumes comparable to Singapore’s bustling port, which facilitated over 40 million TEUs last year. Additionally, Mr. Poon notes the ongoing construction of a significant US embassy in Port Louis, indicative of growing American interest in the island, closely intertwined with the long-term lease of the US military base on Diego Garcia.
Looking to the future, there remain questions about whether the US could challenge India’s standing in Mauritius. While Mr. Poon indicates that the absence of an American expatriate community contrasts with the prominent Indian diaspora, he contends that India must remain agile and responsive to the evolving needs and interests of Mauritius.
The strategic dynamics in the Indian Ocean, particularly concerning Mauritius, reflect a complex interplay of relationships involving global powers. Kwang Poon highlights that while India strengthens its ties with Mauritius, the influence of the US and China is also significant. Mauritius aims to leverage its geographic advantages as a trans-shipment hub amidst evolving economic circumstances. Consequently, the island’s future will depend on how effectively it navigates these great power rivalries while addressing its internal challenges.
Original Source: stratnewsglobal.com
