China Warns Against Trump’s Bagram Plan, Urges Respect for Afghan Sovereignty

Beijing, September 15, 2025 — China has strongly criticized former U.S. President Donald Trump’s plan to retake Afghanistan’s Bagram Air Base, warning that renewed American military involvement would only destabilize the region. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said such moves would “hype up tensions and create confrontation,” stressing that Afghanistan’s future must be determined by its own people.

Lin reiterated Beijing’s support for Afghanistan’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, urging all parties to respect Kabul’s right to self-determination. Analysts say China’s response reflects broader regional concerns, particularly as Afghanistan remains fragile under Taliban control and as the U.S. signals potential re-entry into the country’s security dynamics. Many fear the move could reignite conflict, complicate counterterrorism efforts, and strain China-U.S. ties at a time of heightened geopolitical competition.