Trump's bid to reclaim Bagram air base sparks pushback from China, Taliban

20-Sep-2025

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China and the Taliban on September 19 rejected US President Donald Trump's proposal to reclaim Afghanistan's strategic Bagram air base near the Chinese border, with Beijing cautioning against efforts to stir regional confrontation and Kabul reiterating that Afghans never accepted foreign military presence.

The sprawling Bagram air base was abandoned by American troops four years ago in 2021 during their chaotic withdrawal ordered by then president Joe Biden, as Taliban militants took control of Kabul. Trump, speaking at a joint press conference in the UK with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, on September 18 said he was trying to get the base back because of its proximity to where China makes nuclear weapons. The US President was on a state visit to the UK.

Reacting to Trump’s remarks, Taliban official Zakir Jalal said the interim Afghanistan government "completely rejects" the idea. China too conveyed its opposition to Trump's remarks, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian telling a media briefing in Beijing that “stirring up tension and confrontation in the region will not be supported”.