[toyg]

> might allow the US to station nuclear weapons there (which it probably currently does)

It's a bit more than probable - being one of the very few places in the world where nuclear submarines can dock. It's also extremely unlikely to change; even if no specific verbiage is in the treaty, US/UK will likely continue to do as they please; Mauritius will simply look the other way in exchange for money and protection. Realpolitik is a thing.

[sofixa]

Who would Mauritius need protection from?

Money will probably be the only thing to convince them.

[toyg]

Protection is not just about military matters - it's about relationships. Mauritius will likely want to push other stuff at the UN level, bid for money from international bodies, etc etc... US help in those matters will be valuable.

[dghlsakjg]

Chinese fishing fleets on the commercial side.

I'm not sure China would mind having a place to station assets either.