China’s Foreign Ministry has firmly rejected U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent comments on retaking Afghanistan’s Bagram Air Base, warning against actions that could heighten instability in the region.
Speaking at a press briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian emphasized that Afghanistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity must be respected. He stressed that the country’s future should be determined by the Afghan people themselves without external military interference.
“Our stress is that hyping up regional tensions does not win support,” Lin stated. “We hope relevant sides could play a constructive role for regional stability.”
The response came after President Trump claimed during a joint press conference with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer that the United States is working to “get back” Bagram Air Base, once the largest U.S. military installation in Afghanistan. The base, located about 40 kilometers north of Kabul, was abandoned during the chaotic American withdrawal in 2021 and later taken over by the Taliban.
Trump argued that Bagram holds strategic value because of its proximity to Xinjiang, where he alleged China produces nuclear weapons. “We gave it to them [the Taliban] for nothing,” Trump said, insisting that regaining control of the base is crucial for countering Beijing’s influence in Central Asia.
Beijing, however, views such rhetoric as a destabilizing move that could worsen tensions in an already fragile region. By reiterating its stance, China has positioned itself as a defender of Afghan sovereignty while also sending a clear message against foreign powers attempting to use Afghanistan as a tool for geopolitical rivalry.
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