Trump seeks return of Bagram base amid China concerns

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Photo:AP

During his two-day state visit to the United Kingdom, US President Donald Trump made a strong declaration. Speaking at Chequers, the country home of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Trump told reporters that the United States is working on regaining control of Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan.

He said clearly: “We are trying to get it back.”

This statement caught global attention because the Bagram Air Base, once the largest US military base in Afghanistan, was abandoned in 2021 when American troops withdrew after two decades of war. Since then, the Taliban has controlled the site.

Why Bagram Matters

Bagram Air Base is not just any military base. It was the center of US operations in Afghanistan during the 20-year conflict after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. From here, American forces launched air strikes, intelligence missions, and supply operations.

• It has long runways capable of handling large military aircraft.

• It once hosted tens of thousands of troops and contractors.

• It had facilities for intelligence gathering and prisoner detention.

Its location is especially important. Bagram is in northern Afghanistan, less than 400 miles from western China. This makes it a valuable place for monitoring activity in the region, especially with growing reports that China is expanding its nuclear weapons program in nearby areas.

Trump’s Reason for Wanting It Back

Trump explained that one of the main reasons for seeking Bagram again is its closeness to China. According to him, controlling Bagram would give the United States an advantage in keeping an eye on Chinese activities, especially military or nuclear developments.

He also criticized the earlier decision to leave the base. He argued that abandoning Bagram during the 2021 withdrawal was a mistake that weakened America’s strategic position. Trump has often repeated that the way the withdrawal was handled damaged US credibility and gave the Taliban more power than ever.

How Could the US Reclaim Bagram?

The biggest question is: How will the US get it back?

At present, the Taliban controls the air base, along with the rest of Afghanistan. Trump did not give details about whether there are talks happening with the Taliban, or if the US plans to negotiate directly. He also did not say whether military action could be considered.

Experts believe there are only two possibilities:

1. Negotiation with the Taliban – This would require talks, agreements, and possibly offering something in return.

2. Military pressure – This would risk starting another conflict, which many Americans may not support.

Either way, it will not be easy. The Taliban has already turned Bagram into a symbol of its victory after the withdrawal of foreign troops.

International Reactions

Trump’s remarks are likely to cause discussions not just in the United States, but across the world.

• China may view this as a direct challenge, since Trump openly mentioned the base’s closeness to its territory.

• Afghanistan’s Taliban leadership is unlikely to simply hand over the base, as it is a matter of pride and control.

• US allies will be watching carefully, since any move to reclaim Bagram could involve them or affect regional stability.

Britain, where Trump made this statement, did not comment directly on the plan. Prime Minister Starmer kept his focus on broader US-UK cooperation during the visit.

A Look Back: The Fall of Bagram in 2021

When US forces left Afghanistan in August 2021, they quietly abandoned Bagram Air Base in the middle of the night. Afghan officials at the time said they were not informed properly. Soon after, the Taliban captured the airfield as they swept into power across the country.

Since then, Bagram has been under Taliban control. There have been reports that parts of the base are being used for their own military purposes, though details remain unclear.

For many in the US military community, the way Bagram was left behind is still seen as a painful memory of a long war that ended without clear victory.

What This Could Mean for the Future

If Trump’s plan to reclaim Bagram moves forward, it could reshape US involvement in Central Asia. Some experts say it could signal a return of American military presence in the region. Others warn it could trigger new tensions, not only with the Taliban but also with neighboring countries like China, Russia, and Iran.

The move would also raise debates inside the United States. Many citizens and lawmakers are tired of long foreign wars. Bringing back control of a base in Afghanistan might remind people of the heavy cost — thousands of lives lost and trillions of dollars spent.

On the other hand, supporters of the idea argue that the world has changed, and that America needs a strong position near China to counter its rising power.

President Trump’s announcement about reclaiming Bagram Air Base is more than just a simple remark. It touches on America’s past war in Afghanistan, its current concerns about China, and its possible future role in Asia.

For now, it is unclear whether this plan will succeed or how it will be carried out. But one thing is certain: Bagram has once again become a point of global attention, just as it was during the long years of war.