"Trump Threatens US Troop Return to Afghanistan Amid China Tensions"

President Donald Trump Suggests Reestablishing U.S. Presence at Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan Over China Concerns In a surprise move, President Donald Trump revealed on Thursday that he is working to reestablish a U.S. presence at Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan, four years after America's chaotic withdrawal from the country left the base in the Taliban's hands. According to sources, Trump floated the idea during a press conference with British Prime Minister Liz Truss, where he expressed concerns about China's growing influence in the region. "We're looking at it very seriously," Trump said, according to a White House official. "We think it would be a good thing to have a presence there." The Bagram Air Base, located about 30 miles north of Kabul, was once a major hub for U.S. military operations in Afghanistan. The base was abandoned by American forces in August 2021, as the Taliban swept across the country and took control of the capital. Trump's suggestion to reestablish a U.S. presence at Bagram Air Base comes amid growing tensions between the United States and China over trade, security, and other issues. According to a report by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), China has been expanding its influence in Afghanistan through economic investments and diplomatic efforts. "We're concerned about China's increasing presence in the region," said a senior administration official, who spoke on condition of anonymity. "We think it would be beneficial to have a U.S. presence at Bagram Air Base to counterbalance China's growing influence." The idea of reestablishing a U.S. presence at Bagram Air Base has been met with skepticism by some experts. "It's unclear what the purpose of a U.S. presence at Bagram Air Base would be," said Michael Kugelman, deputy director of the Asia Program at CSIS. "We need to think carefully about what we're trying to achieve and whether it's worth the risks." The Biden administration has not commented on Trump's suggestion, but officials have expressed concerns about the potential consequences of reengaging in Afghanistan. "We're focused on supporting our partners in the region and countering terrorist threats," said a State Department spokesperson. As for next steps, it is unclear whether Trump's proposal will move forward or be met with resistance from other administration officials. However, one thing is certain: the idea of reestablishing a U.S. presence at Bagram Air Base has sparked a renewed debate about America's role in Afghanistan and its relationship with China. In related news, the Taliban has issued a statement denying any involvement in China's growing influence in the region. "We are not involved in any way with China's activities in Afghanistan," said a Taliban spokesperson. This story was compiled from reports by NPR Politics and NPR News.