• Source:JND
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Trump Bagram Airbase demand: US President Donald Trump has demanded that Afghanistan hand back control of the Bagram Airbase to Washington, warning the Taliban that “bad things” will follow if the request is ignored.

The former Cold War-era base, once the largest US military installation in Afghanistan, lies north of Kabul and was central to American operations for two decades. The demand has immediately triggered sharp reactions from the Taliban and a cautious response from Beijing, which has growing stakes in the region.

In a fiery post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump declared, “If Afghanistan doesn’t give Bagram Airbase back to those that built it, the United States of America, BAD THINGS ARE GOING TO HAPPEN!!!”

He reminded the Taliban that he personally oversaw the US troop withdrawal agreement in 2020, adding that the militant group “needs things from us” and would have to comply. Speaking at a press conference in the UK alongside Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Trump stressed that his demand was less about Afghanistan and more about countering China. “It’s an hour away from where China makes its nuclear weapons. We want Bagram back, not because of Afghanistan, but China,” he said.

Taliban Rejects Trump’s Call, China Issues Warning

The Taliban seized Bagram in 2021 after the US completed its troop withdrawal under President Joe Biden, bringing an end to America’s 20-year presence in Afghanistan.

Taliban foreign ministry official Zakir Jalal dismissed the idea of returning the base. In comments to BBC and later on X (formerly Twitter), he noted, “Afghans have never accepted foreign military presence. This possibility was completely rejected during the Doha talks. The door is open for economic and political engagement, but not military bases.”

Beijing reacted quickly to Trump’s comments. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said, “Afghanistan’s future should be decided by its own people. Stirring up tension and confrontation in the region won’t be popular.” China has repeatedly emphasised its support for Afghanistan’s sovereignty while quietly expanding economic and security links with Kabul. Reports in Washington have long suggested that Beijing has sought access to Bagram, though both China and the Taliban deny such claims.

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Why Trump Wants Bagram Airbase Back?

Trump has highlighted several reasons for regaining control of the sprawling military facility:

• Strategic Location: Just an hour’s flight from China’s western nuclear facilities and missile sites.

• Military Strength: Known for one of the strongest runways in the world, capable of handling any aircraft.

• Regional Counterterrorism: Could serve as a base for US counterterrorism operations in South and Central Asia.

• Geopolitical Leverage: Restoring presence would help Washington offset China’s growing influence in Afghanistan.

• Symbolic Value: Seen as reclaiming America’s lost ground after a chaotic withdrawal in 2021.

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While Trump has made his intentions clear, it remains uncertain whether Washington has formally initiated talks with the Taliban over Bagram. For now, Kabul insists there will be no foreign military bases on Afghan soil, while Beijing watches closely. The debate highlights how a single airbase, abandoned just four years ago, continues to shape the geopolitics of South Asia and the US-China rivalry.