Moscow/Beijing: Russia Thursday became the first country in the world and a UN member to recognize the Taliban government in Afghanistan, sparking speculations over China’s next move. On Thursday July 03, 2025, Russia accepted the credentials of a new ambassador of Afghanistan in Moscow as part of an ongoing drive to build friendly relations with Afghanistan under Taliban. China has welcomed the Russian decision, adding the country aims to “pursue a foreign policy of friendship towards the Afghan people”. China, Afghanistan TiesDuring the turmoil and war, Chinese embassy in Afghanistan remained operational despite other countries shutting down and calling home their envoys. “No matter how the internal or external situation changes in Afghanistan, diplomatic relations between China and Afghanistan have never been interrupted", she said.