Trump eyes reclaiming Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan

US President Donald Trump has renewed his call for the United States to regain control of Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan, four years after American forces completed their withdrawal.

During a joint press conference alongside UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, Trump emphasized Bagram's critical location, stating, "We want that base back. It’s an hour away from where China makes its nuclear weapons."

Trump's comment underscores a broader strategic calculus, as the base lies near the Chinese region of Xinjiang, where nuclear testing and weapons development are believed to occur.

The push to reclaim Bagram comes as the US grapples with China’s expanding nuclear capabilities. According to the Pentagon, the People's Liberation Army increased its nuclear stockpile to 600 warheads by mid-2024, with projections indicating the arsenal could reach 1,000 by 2030 and 1,500 by 2035. These figures edge China closer to matching the deployed arsenals of the US and Russia under the New START treaty.