US,Sep.19,2025:During his UK trip in September 2025, Donald Trump told reporters that the US is considering retaking Bagram Airbase, calling it “small breaking news.”
He claimed-
- “We want this base back because it’s just one hour away from where China builds nuclear weapons.”
- He stressed that giving up Bagram during the Afghanistan withdrawal was a “historic mistake.”
This was not the first time Trump highlighted Bagram’s proximity to China. In July 2025, he said during a cabinet meeting: “If I were president, I would never have given up Bagram, which is now under China’s control.”
Taliban’s Reply to Trump Bagram Airbase Statement
The Taliban’s Ministry of Defense quickly rejected Trump’s remarks. Their statement read:
- “Foreign powers have never been accepted on Afghan soil, and never will be.”
- They accused Trump of fueling propaganda about Chinese presence.
By issuing this strong rejection, the Taliban sought to assert their sovereignty and deny any foreign influence at the base.
Why Bagram Airbase Matters in Global Strategy
The Trump Bagram Airbase statement has reignited discussions about the base’s significance:
- Geographical advantage: Located in Parwan province, north of Kabul, Bagram offers surveillance and operational reach across Central Asia, China, and Iran.
- Size and infrastructure: The base spans 77 square kilometers, with housing for 10,000 troops.
- Military power: It has two runways, one more than 2.5 km long, built with reinforced concrete nearly 2 meters thick.
Bagram was America’s most important military hub during the War on Terror. Its loss is still debated among US strategists.
From Soviets to the US
Bagram’s journey reflects Afghanistan’s turbulent history:
- 1950s – Built by the Soviet Union in Parwan province.
- 1980s – Became the Soviet Army’s main base during occupation.
- 2001 – After 9/11, US forces seized and rebuilt the base.
- 2001–2021 – Served as headquarters for NATO and US-led operations against Taliban and Al-Qaeda.
- 2021 – Abandoned during the chaotic US withdrawal ordered by President Joe Biden.
For nearly two decades, Bagram symbolized America’s military footprint in Afghanistan.
China Factor in Trump’s Statement
Trump’s repeated references to China’s nuclear facilities have added a new dimension.
- He insists Bagram is just “one hour away” from China’s nuclear test regions.
- Critics argue that Trump exaggerates distances to justify his position.
- However, experts acknowledge that Bagram could provide strategic leverage over western China.
This China angle explains why Trump’s words resonate beyond Afghanistan—they touch on US-China rivalry.
Is China Really Inside Bagram
Several satellite images reviewed by independent media cast doubt on Trump’s claim:
- 2020 – Over 35 aircraft spotted on Bagram runways.
- 2022 – After Taliban takeover, no aircraft visible.
- 2024–2025 – Minor activity seen, including containers shifted and 100+ vehicles moved, but no evidence of Chinese troops.
Thus far, no reliable satellite proof confirms a Chinese military presence at Bagram.
Three US Presidents Who Visited Bagram
Bagram’s significance is evident from the fact that three American Presidents personally visited the base:
- George W. Bush – To boost morale during the War on Terror.
- Barack Obama – To announce troop strategies.
- Donald Trump – In 2019, for Thanksgiving with US troops.
Even Joe Biden visited in 2011 as Vice President. Each visit reinforced Bagram as the symbol of US power projection in Afghanistan.
Taliban’s Control and Present Situation
Since 2021, the Taliban has maintained full control over Bagram. Key points:
- No confirmed foreign troops have been seen on the base.
- Taliban has reportedly used the base for storing military vehicles.
- Satellite imagery shows reduced activity, unlike the bustling years of US control.
The Taliban insists that Bagram is solely under their authority, rejecting rumors of Chinese or Russian presence.
Global Analysts React
Trump’s remarks and Taliban’s reply have sparked international reactions:
- Michael Kugelman (Wilson Center) – “Trump Bagram Airbase statement highlights his China-centric worldview, but evidence of Chinese control is lacking.”
- Brahma Chellaney (Strategic Expert) – Warned that Washington should avoid “reviving Cold War–style narratives” around Afghanistan.
- Taliban Spokespersons – Dismissed Trump’s comments as “political drama for American elections.”
Symbolism of Bagram in 2025
The Trump Bagram Airbase statement may not lead to immediate policy action, but it underscores how Bagram remains a geopolitical symbol even four years after America’s withdrawal.
For Trump, Bagram represents a missed opportunity in countering China.
For the Taliban, it represents sovereignty and resistance against foreign powers.
For analysts, it is a test case of propaganda vs reality, with no proof of China’s direct military role.
