Trump demands U.S. control over Bagram Air Base to counter China's nuclear threat

Following the chaotic withdrawal of U.S. forces from Afghanistan, President Donald Trump criticized the decision, declaring it a mistake to leave Bagram Air Base. Trump has articulated his stance that the base's location is strategically important due to its proximity to Chinese nuclear weapons production sites. Despite his arguments presented in various public appearances, there are significant challenges posed by the current geopolitical situation. With the U.S. military's exit from Afghanistan, re-establishing a presence at Bagram would necessitate negotiations with the Taliban, who have since taken over the country. In response to Trump's claims, the Taliban has firmly rejected any notion of returning the base to U.S. control, reminding the U.S. of the 2020 Doha agreement, which stipulates non-intervention in Afghanistan's internal matters. This situation has drawn concern among U.S. defense officials and experts who note alternative monitoring means for China's military activities are available without needing to occupy Bagram. Additionally, there are unresolved issues between the U.S. and the Taliban that hinder any potential collaboration regarding the base's use for joint counter-terrorism operations. The Taliban's tenacity in maintaining control over Bagram is attributed to their long-standing efforts to expel U.S. forces from Afghanistan, making it unlikely that they would concede control back to America willingly. Amid these tensions, experts highlight the importance of Bagram for enhanced surveillance of military activities in the region, particularly concerning China's expanding nuclear arsenal and missile programs, which pose a growing global concern.