Decision to permit U.S. to re-establish presence in Bagram Air Base must be left to Afghanistan: China

China on Friday (September 19, 2025) mentioned the choice to re-establish the U.S. presence at Bagram Air Base must be left to Afghanistan and its folks whereas responding to President Donald Trump’s remarks that Washington is attempting to get again the strategic facility for its shut proximity to China.

“China respects Afghanistan’s territorial integrity and sovereignty,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian advised a media briefing right here whereas responding to a query on Mr. Trump’s feedback. “The way forward for Afghanistan must be within the palms of Afghan folks,” Mr. Lin mentioned.

“Our stress is that hyping up regional tensions doesn’t win assist. We hope related sides might play a constructive position for regional stability,” he mentioned.

Mr. Trump on Thursday (September 18, 2025) spoke of the U.S. plans to amass the sprawling air base 4 years after American troops’ chaotic withdrawal following the orders from his predecessor, Joe Biden, as Taliban militants took management of Kabul.

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Mr. Trump mentioned he wish to reacquire the strategic air base as a result of it’s situated near China. “We’re attempting to get it again as a result of they want issues from us,” Mr. Trump mentioned, referring to the talks between the interim Afghanistan authorities led by the Taliban and the U.S. interlocutors to re-establish relations.

He mentioned the U.S. presence at Bagram is of worth due to its proximity to China which is rising as a big financial and navy competitor to the U.S.

“But one of many causes we wish that base is, as you already know, it is an hour away from the place China makes its nuclear weapons. So a variety of issues are occurring,” he mentioned.

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For its half, China has established diplomatic relations with the Taliban authorities quickly after it seized energy in Kabul and made investments to revive a copper mine and extract oil.

Mr. Trump made the feedback throughout a press convention with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer as he wrapped up his go to to the United Kingdom.