China on Friday (September 19, 2025) said the decision to re-establish the U.S. presence at Bagram Air Base should be left to Afghanistan and its people while responding to President Donald Trump’s remarks that Washington is trying to get back the strategic facility for its close proximity to China.
“China respects Afghanistan’s territorial integrity and sovereignty,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian told a media briefing here while responding to a question on Mr. Trump’s comments. “The future of Afghanistan should be in the hands of Afghan people,” Mr. Lin said.
“Our stress is that hyping up regional tensions does not win support. We hope relevant sides could play a constructive role for regional stability,” he said.
Mr. Trump on Thursday (September 18, 2025) spoke of the U.S. plans to acquire the sprawling air base four years after American troops' chaotic withdrawal following the orders from his predecessor, Joe Biden, as Taliban militants took control of Kabul.
China trying to take over Bagram air force base, use Pakistan against India: Nikki Haley
