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. Arp

Russia has become the first country to formally recognise the Taliban government in Afghanistan, sparking outrage from opposition figures. The decision marks a major milestone for the Taliban almost four years after they swept into Kabul and took power.

Russia is the first country to formally recognize the Taliban government in Afghanistan since the group seized power in 2021, according to its Foreign Ministry.