What will Trump do?
President Donald Trump has unveiled a bold new plan to reclaim Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan — a vital military base abandoned during President Joe Biden’s disastrous withdrawal more than four years ago.
But experts are warning this mission won’t just be a fight against the Taliban — it could spark a global showdown with China and Russia.
China’s Dangerous Grip on Afghanistan
Bill Roggio, senior editor of the Long War Journal and a respected national security analyst, told Fox News Digital that China has now become the primary power broker in Afghanistan.
“The Taliban will never willingly allow the U.S. to return,” Roggio said. “Even if President Trump convinced them to consider it, China would step in immediately and shut it down.”
Since Biden’s chaotic withdrawal, Beijing has moved aggressively to fill the power vacuum.
In 2023, China became the first nation to officially recognize the Taliban regime, even appointing an ambassador and sending its foreign minister to Kabul for high-level talks.
China’s goal is clear: take control of Afghanistan’s vast mineral wealth, which includes critical resources like lithium, copper, gold, uranium, and rare earth elements.
These minerals are essential for building batteries, advanced electronics, and even military technology — giving China a massive global advantage.
Beijing’s Leverage Over the Taliban
Through its Belt and Road Initiative, China is now investing heavily in Afghanistan’s mining industry and infrastructure.
This gives Beijing powerful leverage to dictate Taliban policies.
Roggio warns that if the Taliban even considered cooperating with the U.S., China could:
- Cancel lucrative mining contracts
- Restrict trade and resources
- Pull diplomatic recognition, leaving the Taliban politically isolated
“The Taliban care far more about recognition from China and Russia than they do from the U.S.,” Roggio emphasized. “China holds all the cards.”
Why Bagram Airfield Is Critical
President Trump has made it clear that his 2020 deal with the Taliban never included surrendering Bagram.
The massive air base, located just 30 miles north of Kabul, remains one of the most strategic locations in the region.
“We were going to keep it,” Trump said. He added that Bagram is “just an hour away from where China makes its nuclear weapons.”
While the exact facility Trump referenced hasn’t been confirmed, the statement highlights Bagram’s importance as a counterbalance to Chinese aggression.
If the U.S. can retake the base, it could serve as a launch point for counterterrorism missions and help prevent China from expanding its military presence in the region.
Billions Flowing to Terrorists
The Taliban’s growing relationship with China poses another dire threat: funding for terrorism.
Roggio warns that Beijing’s investments could pour billions of dollars directly into Taliban-controlled coffers.
That money would almost certainly be used to support terror groups like al Qaeda.
According to intelligence reports:
- Al Qaeda now operates training camps in 13 of Afghanistan’s 34 provinces
- The Taliban provides safe houses, weapons depots, and religious schools to support these terrorists
- Terrorist leaders are moving freely between Afghanistan and Iran
“Afghanistan looks far worse today than it did on September 10, 2001, the day before the 9/11 attacks,” Roggio said.
America’s National Security at Risk
If China solidifies its grip on Afghanistan, the U.S. could face a nightmare scenario: A radical Islamic regime armed with advanced Chinese technology, operating just miles from one of the world’s most dangerous nuclear powers.
President Trump’s plan to reclaim Bagram isn’t just about regaining a military base.
It’s about stopping the rise of a terror state backed by America’s greatest enemies.
Why This Matters for Every American
Biden’s decision to abandon Bagram didn’t just leave behind military hardware and allies — it handed Afghanistan to China and Russia on a silver platter.
Now, Trump is racing to reverse that catastrophic mistake, but he faces powerful global forces determined to stop him.
Bottom Line
China and the Taliban are forging a dangerous alliance that threatens U.S. national security and global stability.
If Trump fails to retake Bagram, Afghanistan could become the next terror superpower, supported by Beijing and Moscow.
America’s future — and the safety of every citizen — may hinge on the outcome of this high-stakes battle.