U.S. President Donald Trump has proposed re-establishing a military presence in Afghanistan by reclaiming the Bagram Air Base
Both the Taliban and China have strongly opposed Trump’s plan, with the Chinese Foreign Ministry emphasizing respect for Afghanistan’s sovereignty and rejecting the idea of regional tension. Afghan diplomats have also expressed opposition to U.S. military return, as the previous withdrawal was deemed a disgrace by Trump.
Trump has alleged that China is using the base, without providing evidence. Kabul has denied the claim. The Soviet-built base, which was part of the U.S. military presence for two decades, now falls under the Taliban-led Afghan Defense Ministry following the 2021 withdrawal.
China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Lin Jian, stated during a briefing on Friday: “China respects Afghanistan’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. Afghanistan’s future should rest in the hands of the Afghan people,” and added that “stirring up tension and confrontation in the region will not be supported.&rddequo;
Zakir Jalaly, a diplomat at the Afghan Foreign Ministry, said that the people of his country would reject the return of U.S. troops. He argued that Kabul and Washington should pursue mutually respectful economic and political ties “without the U.S. maintaining any military presence in any part of Afghanistan.”
The Bagram Air Base, a key U.S. military installation, was handed over to Taliban control in 2021 following the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, which Trump has criticized as a ‘disgrace.’ Despite his criticism, he has not provided evidence to support his claim that China is using the base. The Taliban has denied any such allegations, maintaining that the base is under their jurisdiction and that their government is committed to Afghanistan’s sovereignty.
This situation highlights the complex geopolitical dynamics in the region, with Pakistan and India also maintaining significant interests in Afghanistan’s stability and resources. The ongoing tensions underscore the need for diplomatic solutions to prevent further regional instability.
As the situation develops, the international community will be closely monitoring the interactions between the U.S., Afghanistan, and its neighbors, as well as the potential impact on regional security and economic relations.