Russia Becomes First Nation to Recognize Taliban Government, China Welcomes Move

16 posts • OpenAI (o3)

Updated Jul 5, 2025, 08:52 AM

Russia has formally recognised the Taliban administration as the legitimate government of Afghanistan, becoming the first country to extend full diplomatic recognition since the Islamist group returned to power in August 2021. Moscow accepted the credentials of a Taliban-appointed ambassador this week after President Vladimir Putin approved the move on the advice of Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, according to Russia’s envoy in Kabul, Dmitry Zhirnov. The Russian Foreign Ministry said official recognition would pave the way for wider cooperation in energy, transport, agriculture and infrastructure.

The step follows Moscow’s decision in April 2025 to remove the Taliban from its domestic list of terrorist organisations, and comes after months of incremental engagement, including Taliban participation in Russian economic forums. Afghan acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi hailed the recognition as a “courageous” decision he hopes other nations will emulate.

China welcomed the development without matching it. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told reporters on 4 July that Beijing supports Afghanistan’s reintegration into the international community and noted that Chinese and Afghan diplomatic missions have operated uninterrupted, though China has yet to grant formal recognition. Pakistan offered a more guarded response, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan calling the issue a matter between two sovereign states and declining to indicate whether Islamabad might follow Moscow’s lead.

Inside Afghanistan, opposition political figures, women’s groups and civil-society activists condemned Russia’s decision, arguing it undercuts efforts to press the Taliban on human-rights obligations and inclusive governance. Analysts say Moscow’s move could encourage other regional powers to reconsider their stance, potentially accelerating a geopolitical realignment around Kabul even as concerns persist over militant violence and restrictions on women.

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Sources

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CNEWS

@CNEWS

What interests does Russia have in recognizing the Islamic emirate of the Taliban in Afghanistan?

@Natsecjeff

Islamabad doesn't seem to be too pleased with the Russian recognition of the Taliban regime. Also worth noting that China has welcomed the Russian move, which is something that puts Islamabad in a bit of an awkward position. Remember what I've said in the past: China has on

Amu TV

@AmuTelevision

Pakistan offered a cautious response to Russia’s decision to formally recognize the Taliban administration in Afghanistan, calling the development a matter between two sovereign nations while stopping short of indicating any plans to follow suit.