KABUL: China and the Taliban on Friday rejected US President Donald Trump’s proposal to reclaim Afghanistan’s strategic Bagram air base near the Chinese border. Beijing warned against actions that could escalate regional tensions, while Kabul reiterated that Afghans have historically opposed any foreign military presence.
The Bagram air base was abandoned by US forces in 2021 during their chaotic withdrawal under then-President Joe Biden, coinciding with the Taliban’s takeover of Kabul.
Trump, speaking at a joint press conference in the UK with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Thursday, said he sought to regain control of the base due to its proximity to China’s nuclear facilities.
Responding to Trump, Taliban official Zakir Jalal stated that the interim Afghan government “completely rejects” the proposal. He emphasized that Afghanistan and the US can maintain economic and political relations based on mutual respect and shared interests, without a foreign military presence.
“Military presence has never been accepted by Afghans in history, and this was fully rejected during the Doha talks and agreement. However, doors for other forms of engagement remain open,” Jalal added in a post on X.
China also opposed Trump’s suggestion. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said at a media briefing in Beijing that “stirring up tension and confrontation in the region will not be supported.” He added, “China respects Afghanistan’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. Afghanistan’s future should rest in the hands of the Afghan people. We hope all parties will act constructively to promote regional peace and stability.”
China, which established diplomatic ties with the Taliban soon after their takeover of Kabul, has invested in Afghan projects including a copper mine and oil extraction ventures.
At the UK press conference, Trump reiterated that the US aims to reclaim Bagram “because they need things from us,” referring to ongoing discussions between the Taliban and American officials. He highlighted the base’s strategic significance, noting that it is “an hour away from where China makes its nuclear weapons,” according to the BBC.
