President Donald Trump said Thursday he is seeking to reclaim control of Afghanistan’s Bagram Airfield, calling it a “little breaking news” and linking the move to U.S. leverage over China.
“We gave it to them for nothing,” Trump said, repeating a campaign message on the Biden-era unconditional withdrawal from Afghanistan, during a joint news conference with U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
“We’re trying to get it back, by the way. OK, that could be a little breaking news. We’re trying to get it back because they need things from us.
“We want that base back. But one of the reasons we want the base is, as you know, it’s an hour away from where China makes its nuclear weapons.
“So a lot of things are happening.”
While Trump did not mention specifics, the Taliban-controlled Afghanistan might seek U.S. concessions in exchange for returning control of Bagram. Potential demands could include increased foreign aid, economic investment, access to military or intelligence support, or diplomatic recognition.
The historic Soviet-built airstrip was the main base for American forces in Afghanistan following the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks up until their 2021 withdrawal led to an immediate takeover by the Islamist Taliban movement.
Trump has long lamented the handover of Bagram Airfield because of its proximity to China. The Taliban leadership has rejected past Trump claims that China is moving in on taking Bagram as an important military air superiority hub in the region.
“They should refrain from making emotional statements based on unsubstantiated information,” Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said in March when asked for a response to Trump’s claims that China currently controls the air base, according to Voice of America.
“Bagram is controlled by the Islamic Emirate [Taliban regime], not China. Chinese troops are not present here, nor do we have any such pact with any country.”
