Taliban and China have strongly rejected former US President Donald Trump’s plan to retake Afghanistan’s Bagram Air Base. The facility, abandoned during the 2021 withdrawal, remains central in US debates over regional security and China’s growing influence.
Speaking at a joint press conference with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Trump criticised President Joe Biden’s Afghanistan policy. He called the withdrawal a mistake and argued that Bagram’s location near China’s nuclear facilities makes it a critical asset for Washington. According to Trump, regaining the base is “necessary” for US security and regional influence.
China quickly responded. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said Afghanistan’s future must be decided by Afghans themselves. He warned that “hyping up tensions and creating confrontation in the region runs counter to people’s aspirations.” Beijing urged all parties to act constructively for peace and stability.
The Taliban also dismissed the plan. Afghan Foreign Ministry official Zakir Jalaly said that foreign bases were already rejected in the Doha talks. He stressed that Afghans have always resisted military presence. Kabul, he added, prefers economic and political relations with Washington, not foreign troops.
Analysts highlight Bagram’s importance for US strategy. The base would give America a foothold to monitor Chinese military activity, gather intelligence, and project power across Central and South Asia. It could also counter Russia and Iran. However, experts in Kabul believe the Taliban will not allow US troops to return unless there is a dramatic policy shift.
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