Does Trump’s push for Afghan air base risk inflaming US-China rivalry?

US President Donald Trump’s push to retake Afghanistan’s Bagram Air Base, framed as a response to China’s nuclear build-up in Xinjiang, risks destabilising an already fragile region and could once again turn the war-torn nation into a flashpoint in the US-China rivalry, observers warn.

The historic Soviet-built base is located roughly 70km (43 miles) north of Kabul and less than 800km from Afghanistan’s border with the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region in western China. It was America’s largest military installation in the country until its chaotic 2021 withdrawal, which paved the way for the Taliban’s return to power.

“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.”

South China Morning Post