Trump Plans U.S. Military Return to Bagram Airbase Amid Rising China Tensions

WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald Trump announced plans to return U.S. military forces to Afghanistan‘s Bagram Airbase, claiming, “China now controls Bagram.” This declaration comes amid escalating geopolitical tensions and discussions surrounding U.S. military strategy in the region.

Just a month prior, Trump suggested the possibility of a U.S. resurgence in Afghanistan, asserting, “We are going to keep a small force on Bagram” to counteract China’s influence. His insistence highlights a strategic focus that extends beyond Afghanistan itself. “We wanted to keep this base because of China, not because of Afghanistan,” Trump explained, noting that Bagram’s location near Chinese nuclear facilities enhances its importance.

The Taliban, however, repudiated Trump’s claims regarding Chinese control over Bagram. Zabihullah Mujahid, the Taliban spokesperson, accused Trump of spreading misinformation and emphasized, “Bagram is controlled by the Islamic Emirate, not China.” He urged the former president’s advisors to rectify his assertions.

Historically, Bagram Airfield has served as a critical military outpost, situated in Parwan Province, roughly 11 kilometers from Charikar. It was the largest American military base during the two-decade U.S. engagement in Afghanistan. Its strategic significance was recognized by Trump himself, who described it as “one of the biggest air bases in the world.” The airfield’s roots trace back to the Soviet Union, which established it in the 1950s during the Cold War.

In the wake of the U.S. invasion in 2001, following the 9/11 attacks, Bagram became central to U.S. military efforts against the Taliban and Al-Qaeda. Following the Taliban’s resurgence in 2021, and the chaotic U.S. withdrawal, Bagram came under Taliban control.

Trump’s reinvigorated focus on Bagram addresses the broader narrative surrounding U.S. military withdrawal from Afghanistan. In February 2020, he negotiated a troop withdrawal plan with the Taliban, a process completed during President Joe Biden’s administration. “I was getting out, but I was going to keep Bagram. Now, China has it,” Trump lamented, criticizing the subsequent fall of the Afghan government as a consequence of the withdrawal.

The withdrawal left behind approximately $7 billion in U.S.-made military equipment, drawing further criticism from Trump. He stated, “We gave billions to Afghanistan, and yet we left behind all that equipment,” claiming this would not have happened under his administration.

The Taliban, while asserting ownership of the equipment, view it as “spoils of war.” Mujahid reiterated that the Taliban will utilize these resources to protect Afghanistan against any external threats.

As the geopolitical landscape evolves, China has been steadily extending its influence in Afghanistan, engaging with the Taliban for economic opportunities while ensuring that Afghanistan does not morph into a haven for threats against China’s domestic stability. The increasing Chinese presence in Afghanistan has exacerbated already existing concerns about regional security among U.S. allies.

With Trump’s latest statements on Bagram, the former president appears to be advocating for a more aggressive approach to countering Chinese influence, reflecting a complex interplay of military strategy and political maneuvering. The narrative surrounding Bagram Airbase not only underscores a tactical discussion but also marks a renewed contest for influence in Afghanistan and the broader region.

Bagram’s future as a military hub remains uncertain, yet one thing is clear: as U.S.-China tensions continue to escalate, the stakes grow higher, making Bagram a focal point in the broader contest for regional dominance.