China Warns Against Regional Escalation After Trump Suggests US Return to Bagram Airbase

China has issued a warning after former US President Donald Trump urged Washington to re-establish access to Afghanistan’s Bagram Airbase, stressing respect for Afghan sovereignty and cautioning against actions that could fuel regional tensions.

At a press conference on Friday, September 19, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said Afghanistan’s future must remain in the hands of its people, warning that “any escalation of tensions or confrontation in the region would be undesirable.” He underscored Beijing’s consistent position that foreign powers should avoid interference and instead support Afghanistan’s path toward peace and reconstruction.

Trump, speaking a day earlier, defended his interest in the strategic Bagram facility, citing its proximity to China. “As you know, it’s only an hour away from where China produces its nuclear weapons,” he said, suggesting that the base could play a role in countering Beijing’s regional influence.

His remarks triggered swift reactions. Zakir Jalali, an aide to the Taliban foreign minister, dismissed Trump’s statement in pointed terms, labeling him a “successful businessman” and hinting that his perspective on Bagram was framed in the context of bargaining rather than serious policy. The Taliban leadership has consistently rejected the return of any foreign troops, framing it as a violation of the Doha Agreement and an infringement on Afghan sovereignty.

According to a CNN report citing three sources familiar with the matter, Trump has for months pressed national security officials to explore the feasibility of re-establishing a US presence at Bagram. Although no official policy decision has been made, the report indicates the idea has been repeatedly floated in discussions about counterterrorism strategy and great-power competition.

Analysts note that the episode highlights Afghanistan’s continuing role as a geopolitical flashpoint, despite the US withdrawal in August 2021. Washington views Bagram as a potential counterweight to Chinese and Russian influence in Central Asia, while Beijing is deeply concerned about any American return that could threaten its security interests, particularly in Xinjiang and along its Belt and Road Initiative corridors.

China has invested heavily in its relationship with the Taliban, focusing on economic engagement, counterterrorism cooperation, and promises of infrastructure development under the BRI framework. A renewed US military presence, analysts warn, could complicate Beijing’s outreach and revive Cold War–style rivalries in the region.

In its closing remarks, the Chinese Foreign Ministry reiterated its hope that all stakeholders will pursue “constructive approaches to Afghanistan,” aimed at peace and stability rather than confrontation. The statement reflects Beijing’s broader strategy of positioning itself as a stabilizing power, in contrast to Washington’s military-centered approach.

 

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