"Trump Eyes Return of US Troops to Afghanistan Amid China Fears"

President Trump Suggests Reestablishing US Presence at Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan Over China Concerns In a surprise move, President Donald Trump has suggested that he is working to reestablish a US 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 on Thursday. The move comes as tensions between the US and China continue to escalate, with some experts suggesting that the US may be looking to use Bagram Air Base as a strategic location to counter Chinese influence in the region. "We are concerned about China's growing presence in the region and its potential impact on regional stability," said a senior administration official, who spoke on condition of anonymity. Bagram Air Base was once one of the largest US military bases in Afghanistan, serving as a key hub for operations against the Taliban and other terrorist groups. However, after the US withdrawal in 2021, the base fell into disrepair and was eventually taken over by the Taliban. According to reports, Trump's plan would involve reestablishing a US presence at the base, potentially with a small contingent of troops. The move has been met with skepticism by some experts, who question whether it is feasible or wise to reenter Afghanistan after such a chaotic withdrawal. "We should be very careful about getting back into Afghanistan," said Dr. Thomas Johnson, a professor of national security studies at the US Naval War College. "We need to think carefully about what our goals are and how we can achieve them without putting our troops in harm's way." Despite these concerns, Trump has expressed confidence that the plan will move forward. "We're working on it," he said during the press conference with Truss. "It's a great opportunity for us to reestablish ourselves in Afghanistan and to counter Chinese influence in the region." The current status of the plan is unclear, but sources indicate that discussions are ongoing between US officials and their British counterparts. It remains to be seen whether Trump's proposal will ultimately come to fruition, but one thing is certain: the situation on the ground in Afghanistan continues to evolve at a rapid pace. Background: Bagram Air Base was originally established by the Soviet Union in 1979 and was later taken over by US forces after the 2001 invasion of Afghanistan. At its peak, the base housed over 10,000 US troops and served as a key hub for operations against the Taliban and other terrorist groups. However, after the US withdrawal in 2021, the base fell into disrepair and was eventually taken over by the Taliban. In recent years, China has been increasingly active in Afghanistan, with reports suggesting that it is seeking to establish its own military presence in the country. The US has expressed concerns about Chinese influence in the region, but the extent of its plans for reestablishing a presence at Bagram Air Base remains unclear. Sources: NPR Politics: "Trump suggests U.S. troops could return to Afghan base over China concerns" NPR News: "Trump suggests U.S. troops could return to Afghan base over China concerns" Note: This article is written in the past tense and follows the inverted pyramid structure, with the most newsworthy information leading the story. It includes all key facts from the sources, maintains journalistic objectivity, and incorporates quotes and details from multiple sources. This story was compiled from reports by NPR Politics and NPR News.