On Friday, China is spearheading efforts to block the United States from reclaiming Bagram Air Force Base in Afghanistan. This move comes amid rising tensions and strategic discussions among global powers.
Yue Xiaoyong, a special envoy from China’s Foreign Ministry to Afghanistan, shared that he engaged in discussions with officials from Russia, Pakistan, and Iran during the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The outcome of the meeting was a joint statement emphasizing the need to respect Afghanistan’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity.
This statement explicitly criticized military bases run by the four nations, signaling a strong stance against US actions in the region. Interestingly, the signatories haven’t indicated any plans to avoid establishing their own military presence in Afghanistan if they choose to do so.
Bagram Airfield has a storied past; it was established by the Soviet Union in the 1950s and played a significant role during the Soviet occupation in the 1980s. The US took control after overthrowing the Taliban in 2001, and they undertook major renovations to the facility, adding amenities and enhancing its capabilities.
Former President Donald Trump has been vocal about criticizing President Joe Biden, particularly regarding the abandonment of Bagram during what he termed a disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan in July 2021. Military advisors had reportedly urged Biden to maintain control of Bagram rather than evacuating from the more vulnerable Kabul Airport, which later faced a tragic terrorist bombing during the chaotic withdrawal.
During a recent visit to the UK, Trump expressed hopes to regain Bagram’s control, citing its strategic importance. He added that Afghanistan’s geographical position, notably its proximity to areas in China where nuclear weapons are developed, heightens the urgency of the situation. “We gave them nothing. We’re trying to get it back,” he remarked, hinting at negotiations with the Taliban, who currently govern Afghanistan.
He further warned, “If Afghanistan doesn’t bring back the people who built it, something bad will happen.” Bagram’s location is significant, situated around 43 miles from Kabul and relatively close to China’s nuclear facilities.
Trump highlighted the airfield’s operational capabilities, stating it was “one of the most powerful bases in the world.” Following a meeting between US envoy Adam Bohler and Taliban officials, the Taliban described the interactions as a positive sign of diplomatic engagement.
However, Taliban officials have firmly rejected any idea of returning Bagram to US control, reinforcing historical sentiments against foreign military presence. “The Afghans have not embraced military presence in history,” noted a Taliban official, adding that the doors for dialogue remain open, but not for such demands.
Meanwhile, there are reports of high-level discussions within the Taliban regarding Bagram’s future, though officials maintain a steadfast rejection of relinquishing any part of Afghan territory to foreign powers. Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid asserted, “If the Trump administration moves badly, it will face a bad response from us.”
