Why Donald Trump's demand to reclaim Bagram Air Base is All About China-Russia

Why Donald Trump's demand to reclaim Bagram Air Base reveals a new U.S. strategy focused on great-power competition with China and Russia.

New Delhi | The recent demand by U.S. President Donald Trump for Afghanistan to return Bagram Air Base to American control has shifted the global spotlight back to a place that was once the heart of the U.S. military presence in the country. This move is not about re-engaging in the Afghanistan conflict, but about leveraging a key strategic asset in the new great-power competition with China and Russia. It also highlights a broader shift in U.S. strategic interest in South Asia.

An F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 4th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron from Hill Air Force Base, Utah, takes off at Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan, Jan. 23, 2015. The F-16 is a multi-role fighter aircraft that provides air superiority enabling freedom of movement for troops on the ground as well as close air support for troops engaged in combat. It provides a relatively low-cost, high-performance weapon system for the United States and allied nations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Whitney Amstutz/released).

What is Bagram Air Base?

Bagram Air Base is a massive military installation located about 40 to 60 kilometers north of Kabul, Afghanistan as quoted by TOI. For nearly two decades, it was the primary hub for U.S. military operations in the country.

According to ET,  it was the largest and most advanced U.S. base in Afghanistan, equipped with two long concrete runways capable of handling the largest military aircraft, and it served as a major center for logistics, intelligence, and counter-terrorism operations.

The U.S. pullout from Afghanistan in 2021 was a symbolic end to the American military's two-decade presence in the country. Even there were reports of China's indulgence in Afghanistan after that.

Also read - From Tariffs to Tantrums: The Perils of Political Immaturity

Why Does Trump Want It Back?

President Trump has been explicit about the reason behind his demand: China. He has repeatedly stated that Bagram is geographically crucial for U.S. strategic interests, not for a return to the Afghanistan war. The key justifications are:

1. Countering China's Nuclear Program

Trump has pointed out that Bagram is only about an hour away from China's Xinjiang province, which is home to key nuclear missile production sites. 

A U.S. presence at the base would provide an unparalleled vantage point for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) of China's expanding nuclear capabilities.

Also read - Russia's Renewed Su-57E Offer

2. Geopolitical Leverage

Control of Bagram would give the U.S. a significant foothold in a region that is a crossroads of major powers. 

It would allow the U.S. to project power, monitor the activities of rivals like Russia and Iran, and serve as a counterweight to China's growing influence through initiatives like the Belt and Road.

The Broader U.S. Strategic Interest in South Asia

The push for Bagram is part of a larger U.S. strategic shift toward South Asia. Following the end of the "War on Terror," the U.S. is increasingly focused on a new kind of competition with China. This strategy is driven by a few key factors:

1. Containment of China

South Asia is seen as a critical region for containing China's influence. By building and maintaining relationships with key regional players and, where possible, a military presence, the U.S. aims to counterbalance Beijing's economic and military expansion.

2. Strategic Location

Countries in South Asia, including Bangladesh, are located in a critical nexus of emerging global power competition. The region lies on vital sea lanes and trade corridors in the Indian Ocean, making it a key area for both power projection and maintaining stability in global shipping. 

Reports suggest the U.S. is also looking for a presence in Bangladesh, possibly at a port, to strengthen its foothold in the Bay of Bengal, a key waterway for Chinese trade.

Also read - Eagle in the Arm' Doctrine: Why Training Every Soldier to Fly a Drone Changes the Game?

 3. Support for Allies

Strengthening ties with regional allies like India is a central part of the U.S. strategy.16 Having strategic assets in the region would allow the U.S. to better support these partners and participate in regional security dynamics against mutual rivals.

In essence, the Bagram standoff is a clear indicator that the U.S. is willing to pursue new and creative diplomatic and military strategies to secure its position in a changing global landscape. The base is no longer just a relic of a past war, but a potential piece of the puzzle for a future dominated by great-power rivalry.