“We’re trying to get it back,” Trump said of Bagram during a joint press conference with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in London on Thursday. “One of the reasons we want the base is, as you know, it’s an hour away from where China makes its nuclear weapons.”
On Friday, after returning to the White House, Trump reiterated his stance, saying: “We should have never given it up.” He added that discussions were under way with Afghanistan about regaining control of the base.
Beijing and the Taliban government swiftly pushed back.
“China respects Afghanistan’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said on Thursday.
“Afghanistan’s future should rest in the hands of the Afghan people. Let me stress that stirring up tension and confrontation in the region will not be supported. We hope all parties will play a constructive role for regional peace and stability.”
