Russia becomes first country to recognise Afghanistan’s Taliban regime. Will China follow? - Experts monitoring the Taliban’s new diplomacy push in Asia say China could follow suit, paving the way for wider recognition of the militant group and ending its pariah status on the world stage.

Russia has become the first country to officially recognize the Taliban-led government in Afghanistan. In a statement on July 3, 2025, the Russian Foreign Ministry said Moscow saw strong prospects for developing ties and would continue to support Kabul in areas such as security and counterterrorism.

Russia said on Thursday it had accepted the credentials of a new ambassador of Afghanistan, making it the first nation to recognise the Taliban government of the country.