Beijing Leads Regional Push Against Trump’s Bid to Reclaim Bagram Airbase
- China, Russia, Iran, and Pakistan issued a joint statement rejecting U.S. military basing in Afghanistan.
- The move responds to Trump’s remarks that Washington would “take back” Bagram airbase.
- The four countries urged “respect” for Afghan sovereignty and territorial integrity.
China, Russia, Iran, and Pakistan have united in opposition to U.S. plans to re-establish a military presence in Afghanistan, after President Donald Trump declared that Washington intended to “take back” the Bagram airbase.
Joint Statement at the UN
On Thursday, Chinese special envoy for Afghanistan Yue Xiaoyong met delegations from Russia, Pakistan, and Iran on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York. The four countries released a joint statement urging “respect for Afghanistan’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity” and reiterated their opposition to any foreign military bases in the country.
Foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said:
“As a neighbour of Afghanistan and a responsible country, China is willing to continue to work with the international community to provide assistance to Afghanistan and play a constructive role in Afghanistan’s peaceful reconstruction.”
Trump’s Remarks
The statement followed Trump’s comments last week that the U.S. would reclaim Bagram, citing the base’s proximity to China’s nuclear facilities in Xinjiang. The Soviet-built facility lies 70 kilometers north of Kabul and less than 800 km from Lop Nur, China’s nuclear testing and missile base.
Trump: “Bad things are going to happen if Afghanistan does not give the base back to the U.S.”
