Beijing Rebukes Trump's Bagram Talk, Calls for Peace Over Confrontation

China has issued a strong rebuke against former US President Donald Trump's recent musings about potentially retaking Afghanistan's Bagram Air Base, asserting that any move to 'create confrontation' runs directly counter to the deeply held aspirations of people globally for peace and stability. The pointed comments came from China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning, who underscored Beijing's firm stance against a 'Cold War mentality' and 'zero-sum games' in international relations.

Trump, during a campaign rally, had floated the idea of re-establishing a presence at Bagram, a strategically vital air base that served as the largest American military facility in Afghanistan for nearly two decades before its withdrawal in August 2021.

His remarks have reignited a debate about the future of US engagement in the region and the implications for Afghanistan's sovereignty and stability.

In response, Ms. Mao Ning articulated China's unwavering position: that all countries must prioritize dialogue, cooperation, and mutual respect.

"Creating confrontation and drawing lines runs counter to people's aspirations for peace, cooperation and development. This Cold War mentality and zero-sum game should be rejected by the international community," she stated emphatically. Her comments reflect a broader Chinese foreign policy philosophy that champions non-interference, multilateralism, and the pursuit of shared development.

The US withdrawal from Afghanistan, which concluded with the Taliban's swift takeover, left a complex vacuum and significant humanitarian challenges.

China, a neighbor to Afghanistan, has consistently called for the international community to respect Afghanistan's independence and sovereignty, urging support for its efforts to achieve peace, stability, and development. Beijing has also been actively involved in regional diplomatic efforts aimed at fostering a stable and prosperous Afghanistan, free from external interference.

The potential return of foreign military forces, even hypothetically, is viewed by China as a destabilizing factor that could reignite conflicts and undermine the fragile peace-building processes underway.

China’s leadership has often criticized what it perceives as interventionist foreign policies, advocating instead for solutions that respect national sovereignty and are driven by regional stakeholders. The focus, from Beijing's perspective, should be on assisting Afghanistan in rebuilding its economy and social fabric, rather than reintroducing military postures that have historically led to prolonged conflict.

As the geopolitical landscape continues to evolve, China's clear message remains consistent: the path to lasting peace and development in Afghanistan and the broader region lies in fostering cooperation, not in resurrecting old rivalries or initiating new confrontations.

Beijing continues to champion an approach where the international community works together to support Afghanistan's self-reliance and its journey towards a stable and prosperous future, free from external pressures and the specter of renewed conflict.