Taliban denies China controls former US military base

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In response to former President Donald Trump’s recent claims about Chinese occupation of Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan, the Taliban’s chief spokesperson has strongly refuted these assertions, labeling them as misleading information.

During a pre-cabinet meeting discussion, Trump expressed criticism of President Joe Biden’s handling of the Afghan military withdrawal in 2021. He emphasized his administration’s original intention to maintain control of Bagram Air Base, citing its strategic proximity to Chinese nuclear missile facilities.

“We were going to get out of Afghanistan, but we were going to keep Bagram,” Trump told reporters on February 26, “not because of Afghanistan but because of China, because it’s exactly one hour away from where China makes its nuclear missiles.”

The most insane thing has just happened, Trump now saying “China controls Afghanistan” ahahaha. Taliban came out and said it’s a lie and if the US want their military equipment back, they need to compensate them first for the damage caused by the 20-year war🤦‍♂️😂

The funny thing… pic.twitter.com/xCgzdDGlOX

— livinlavidaluke (@96Stats) March 3, 2025

The U.S. military’s departure from Afghanistan left behind substantial military assets and infrastructure, with SIGAR reporting an $89 billion investment in the now-defunct Afghan military. The Taliban has since utilized Bagram Air Base for various demonstrations, including events featuring Chinese participation.

Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid contested Trump’s statements through the RTA television network, firmly denying any Chinese military presence at the facility. “There is not a single armed Chinese individual here, nor do we have any such agreement with any country,” Mujahid said in comments to the Taliban-controlled RTA television network. “Why is he spreading such misinformation at such a high level? His information needs to be complete. The United States is a major country, and its leader should speak with great accuracy.”

While rejecting American claims to abandoned military equipment, Mujahid emphasized the Taliban’s authority to utilize these resources as needed. Voice of America reports indicate that the Taliban spokesperson suggested potential demands for war reparations should the U.S. pursue equipment recovery.

Taliban denies Chinese presence at Bagram airbase, calls Trump's claims "emotional" as he vows to reclaim the base@ShivanChanana brings you more on this pic.twitter.com/NHxs6AaGDq

— WION (@WIONews) March 3, 2025

Despite ideological differences, the Taliban maintains robust relations with China’s communist government, actively pursuing Chinese investment and aid. Recent developments include Chinese funding for refugee assistance and infrastructure projects, with the Taliban’s defense minister engaging in diplomatic discussions with Chinese representatives regarding mutual interests.

Historical context shows the Taliban’s resurgence following Biden’s decision to extend the Afghan conflict beyond Trump’s negotiated May 2021 withdrawal date. This extension triggered increased Taliban military activity, ultimately leading to their takeover of Kabul in August 2021.

Reports from various media outlets, including U.S. News and CNN-News18, have documented Chinese interest in Bagram Air Base immediately following the U.S. withdrawal. Sources indicated Chinese military delegations conducted site assessments, with some accounts suggesting Chinese aircraft activity at the base during late 2021, though regular Chinese presence remains unconfirmed.

Throughout this period, the Taliban-controlled media consistently highlights growing Chinese involvement in Afghanistan, particularly emphasizing economic partnerships and humanitarian assistance, demonstrating the evolving relationship between these unlikely allies.