Trump Accuses China of Occupying Former U.S. Base in Afghanistan

• Trump Accuses China
• Taliban Deny Foreign Occupation
• Bagram: A Strategic Key Base

Former US President Donald Trump sparked controversy once again during his recent visit to the Middle East by claiming that China is currently occupying the Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan.

Speaking at an event in Doha, Trump strongly criticized the US withdrawal from the Asian country in 2021, calling it a «disaster.»

“We wouldn’t have had the Afghanistan withdrawal disaster. We were going to leave, but with dignity and strength. We were going to keep Bagram Air Base. We weren’t going to give it up because it’s one hour from China. One hour. You know who occupies it now? China,” said the former president, in comments that quickly went viral.

Located about 50 kilometers north of Kabul, Bagram was for years the main hub of US military operations during its intervention in Afghanistan.

Trump: “You know who occupies it now? China”

Following the US troop withdrawal and the Taliban’s takeover in August 2021, control of the base passed to the de facto government.

Trump considers the handover of Bagram a sign of weakness and a strategic mistake that ultimately benefited US geopolitical rivals.

According to him, the base’s proximity to Chinese territory made it an immensely valuable asset for US national security.

Taliban authorities, however, have strongly denied the former Republican president’s accusations.

In April, Taliban regime spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid stated that Afghanistan retains “full control” of Bagram and dismissed the rumors of any foreign military presence or Chinese control at the facility as “baseless propaganda.”

Since returning to power, the Taliban have tried to present a more diplomatic image, despite lacking official international recognition.

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As part of that effort, they have expressed intentions to cooperate on sensitive issues such as human rights, counterterrorism, and economic development.

China, one of the few countries maintaining an open channel with the Taliban authorities, has shown interest in expanding its diplomatic and economic presence in Afghanistan.

Although Beijing does not formally recognize the Taliban regime, it maintains a diplomatic mission in Kabul and has voiced its intention to support the country in international forums.

The exchange of statements between Trump and the Taliban has once again placed Afghanistan’s geopolitical role at the center of global debate amid mounting tensions between major powers.

Do you believe China really controls Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan?

SOURCE: EFE