Jens Asbjørn Bøgen
The Bagram Air Base was abandoned, when the U.S. left Afghanistan in 2021.
The Bagram Air Base was abandoned, when the U.S. left Afghanistan in 2021.
What is happening?
During a press conference in London, U.S.-President Donald Trump made headlines by revealing that the U.S. is attempting to regain control of Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan.
Standing beside British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, he called the move “a little breaking news.”
“They need things from us”
Trump stated that discussions are underway with Afghan authorities. “We’re trying to get it back because they need things from us,” he said.
The president suggested that U.S. leverage could be used to secure the return of the base.
Strategic proximity to China
The president emphasized Bagram’s geographic significance, saying the base is “an hour away from where China makes its nuclear [weapons].”
His comments pointed to broader concerns over China’s military capabilities and U.S. readiness in the region.
Renewed criticism of Biden
Trump used the platform to criticize former President Joe Biden’s 2021 military withdrawal from Afghanistan.
Trump claimed the decision left behind U.S. weapons and equipment—along with Bagram itself—placing key assets in Taliban hands.
Allegations of Chinese occupation
Trump has repeatedly claimed that China now controls Bagram Air Base.
While Afghan officials deny this, the assertion continues to circulate among conservative commentators and fuels speculation about China’s presence in the region.
A legacy asset in U.S. military strategy
Bagram Air Base has been a cornerstone of U.S. military operations in South Asia for decades.
From intelligence gathering to drone missions, it served as a critical launch point during America’s 20-year involvement in Afghanistan.
Location, location, location
Located just 24 miles north of Kabul, Bagram sits near the borders of China, Pakistan, India, and Central Asia.
This strategic position gives any occupying force access to one of the most geopolitically tense regions in the world.
Could the Taliban have handed it to China?
While no evidence has been confirmed, reports suggest the Taliban may have allowed China access to Bagram after the U.S. withdrawal.
Trump’s comments reflect concerns that the site could now serve interests counter to U.S. security.
A high-stakes diplomatic play
Trump’s push to reclaim Bagram may be part of a broader effort to reassert U.S. influence in Central and South Asia.
Whether negotiations will lead to actual control remains unclear, but the issue is rapidly gaining attention.
This article is made and published by Jens Asbjørn Bogen, which may have used AI in the preparation
