Trump has repeatedly stressed the base’s strategic value and alleged it was under Chinese control, a claim Afghan authorities have denied
“We’re trying to get [the base] back, by the way,” Trump said, calling the effort “a little breaking news.” He added: “We’re trying to get it back because [Afghan government officials] need things from us. We want that base back. But one of the reasons we want the base is, as you know, it’s an hour away from where China makes its nuclear weapons.”
Departure of last American soldier from Kabul marks end of 20-year US mission in Afghanistan
He did not provide further details about any ongoing negotiations with the Taliban on reclaiming the facility.
In March, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid warned the US when asked for a response to Trump’s claims at the time that China currently controls the air base.
