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Australia’s Cocos (Keeling) Islands vs. Great Coco Island of Myanmar

September 25, 2023

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Australia’s Cocos (Keeling) Islands

Context (TH): Australia’s Cocos Islands and Christmas Islands are strategically located near the world’s most important maritime choke points (strategic narrow routes) like the Malacca Strait.
These islands are located closer to Indonesia than to Australia.
The islands are strategically located, making them ideal for monitoring shipping traffic.
The islands were used as a staging ground for the Australian military during World War II.
They are close to the equator, which makes them ideal for refuelling aircraft and ships.

Cocos (Keeling) Islands (Australia) are not to be confused with the Coco Islands, an island group in Myanmar, or Cocos Island in Costa Rica.

Great Coco Island of Myanmar and China’s Presence

Great Coco Island is the largest island in the Coco Islands. It is located to the south of Yangon.
To the south of these island group lies the Landfall Island of India.

Coco Islands - Great Coco Island of Myanmar

China has been accused of building a military base on Great Coco Island. The satellite imagery shows the construction of a new runway, a radar station, and other infrastructure.
The Australian government has accused China of militarizing the area.

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