The operation of Afghanistan's foreign diplomatic missions has been in a transitional phase since the Taliban's August 2021 takeover of the government by force. The takeover was widely condemned by the international community, and no country except Russia has recognized the Taliban government, officially called the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. Despite not recognizing the new regime, some countries have handed over control of the Afghan diplomatic missions in their countries by allowing the Taliban to appoint representatives at the chargé d'affaires level. In December 2023, China became the first country to accredit a Taliban-appointed ambassador.