President Trump has made regaining control of the Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan a priority, but expert Bill Roggio warns that China is unlikely to allow it without major pushback. Roggio argues that Beijing’s strategic ties and leverage over the Taliban make any U.S. return extremely difficult.
Trump stated the U.S. is “trying” to take back Bagram and cited its proximity to Chinese strategic assets as part of the rationale. But Roggio contends that even if the Taliban were persuaded to relent, China would pressure them heavily—threatening mining contracts, trade, diplomatic recognition, and more.
China has already deepened economic and diplomatic ties with the Taliban, especially around natural resources and infrastructure. Roggio warns that Beijing could supply military tech, funding, or coercive leverage to block U.S. influence in Afghanistan.
Of course, the Taliban themselves reject U.S. reclamation of Bagram, citing sovereignty and the Doha Agreement. Their stance alone poses a major barrier, even without Chinese intervention.
This escalating confrontation in Afghanistan now intensifies great-power competition, highlighting how China’s regional ambitions may clash with U.S. strategic goals.
