ICJ Judge Xue Hanqin, Ex-China Official, Ruled Against UK on Chagos Islands

Xue Hanqin, a judge at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), played a significant role in the 2019 ruling that the UK should surrender the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, a decision that has drawn increasing scrutiny due to her background as a former Chinese government official. Critics highlight her support for Russia's invasion of Ukraine and her previous positions within the Chinese Communist Party, raising concerns about potential geopolitical implications of the UK's decision to hand over the islands, which host a crucial US-UK military base. The ruling prompted the UK government to initiate negotiations with Mauritius, culminating in a draft handover deal announced in October. The deal has faced opposition from UK political figures, who argue it could enhance Chinese influence in the Indo-Pacific region. China's support for the decolonization of the Chagos Islands further complicates the situation, with some lawmakers warning that the transfer could allow China to monitor Western military operations. The controversy continues to spark debate over national security and international law.