By Kavita Mistry 
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
Mr. Trump said he would like to reacquire the strategic air base because it is located close to China. “We’re trying to get it back because they need things from us,” Mr. Trump said, referring to the talks between the interim Afghanistan government led by the Taliban and the U.S. interlocutors to re-establish relations.
He said the U.S. presence at Bagram is of value because of its proximity to China which is emerging as a significant economic and military competitor to the U.S.
“But one of the reasons we want that base is, as you know, it’s an hour away from where China makes its nuclear weapons. So a lot of things are happening,” he said.
U.S. officials hold talks in Kabul over Americans detained in Afghanistan
For its part, China has established diplomatic relations with the Taliban government soon after it seized power in Kabul and made investments to revive a copper mine and extract oil.
Mr. Trump made the comments during a press conference with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer as he wrapped up his visit to the United Kingdom.