Acting Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi has refuted recent claims by U.S. President Donald Trump that Chinese forces are operating from Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan, according to TOLOnews.
Muttaqi denied any foreign military presence in the country, declaring that Afghanistan remains fully opposed to hosting troops from any nation.
“The Islamic Emirate and the people of Afghanistan do not accept even an inch of Afghan land for foreign military presence. President Trump must hear this message, and other countries should also understand that while we engage, it is political and economic engagement only. We do not even discuss foreign military presence in Afghanistan,” he stated.
Muttaqi described Trump’s allegations as “far from the truth” and emphasized that the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has not established, nor intends to establish, any military partnerships with foreign governments.
His comments follow Trump's statement that the strategically important Bagram Air Base, once a central hub for U.S. military operations in the region, is now “under Chinese control.” The claim has raised concerns about regional security dynamics, though it has not been independently verified.
The Afghan official also reiterated the government’s position that its engagement with the global community remains limited to political, economic, and diplomatic cooperation. Muttaqi’s remarks come as the Islamic Emirate continues to seek broader international recognition. Citing Russia’s recent decision to officially recognize Afghanistan’s interim government, Muttaqi called on other countries—especially regional neighbors—to follow suit.
“We remind all countries, especially those in the region, that over the past three years we have had positive interactions, achieved progress, maintained diplomatic exchanges, and faced no concerns in our relations. Therefore, everyone should step forward and continue this process so that the path is opened for others as well,” Muttaqi said.
In addition, Muttaqi also condemned the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) recent arrest warrants targeting the leader and Chief Justice of the Islamic Emirate, stating that Afghanistan does not recognize the authority of the ICC and considers its rulings inapplicable.
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