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.

R ussia has become the first country to formally recognise Taliban rule, with Afghanistan's Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi calling it a "courageous" decision.

Russia has become the first nation to recognize the Taliban government of Afghanistan since it took power in 2021, announcing on Thursday it has accepted an ambassador from the Islamist group.