Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Threats to China from Al Qaeda

  • Chapter
Ethnic Identity and National Conflict in China

  • 295 Accesses

Abstract

This chapter gives an overview of the terrorist threat to China from Al Qaeda and its associated and affiliated groups. Despite the pervasiveness of its global jihadist ideology, the threat from Al Qaeda to China has so far been assessed to be low. However, most of these assessments fail to take note of the developments in the global jihadist landscape, especially involving the ideology that is now the strategic center of gravity for Islamist terrorism. Besides, assessments tend to focus on jihadists’ current enemy, which for groups like Al Qaeda is the United States primarily and the West generally. What is ignored is the fact that objectives of the jihadists are zero-sum and for them there is no fixed enemy or fixed set of grievances. Besides, as Al Qaeda has demonstrated repeatedly, wherever there is a conflict involving Muslims, it comes to the aid of co-religionists. This assistance involves commitment of trained fighters to actually taking part in the local conflicts and other types of support such as money, logistics, and training facilities. That is how the group got extensively involved in conflicts in Kashmir, Chechnya, in countries in Southeast Asia and North Africa, and in the Middle East, especially in Iraq.

To the grandchildren of the scholars and the preachers…

To those who hold to their faith in a time that sinks in desires and temptations…

To those who march on the path of light despite the intense darkness…

To the patient and forgotten Ummah…

To the Ummah of East Turkistan…

We dedicate this work in appreciation and veneration…

—In a dedication to Muslims in Xinjiang, Islamic State of Iraq.1

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 39.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 54.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 54.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Preview

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Notes

  1. Venkatesan Vembu, “China May Be Next in al-Qaeda’s Crosshairs,” DNA India (December 11, 2008). http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?newsid=1213078

    Google Scholar 

  2. Angel Rabasa et al., Beyondal-Qaeda, Part 1, “The GlobalJihadist Movement,” Rand Project Air Force (Santa Monica, CA: RAND Corporation, 2006): 1.

    Google Scholar 

  3. Yael Shahar, “Al Qaida: A Reflection of Globalization?” (September 1, 2008). http://www.ict.org.il/Articles/tabid/66/Articlsid/490/currentpage/1/Default.aspx

    Google Scholar 

  4. Goh Chok Tong, “Fight Terror with Ideas, Not Just Armies,” speech of the Prime Minister of Singapore at the Council on Foreign Relations (Washington DC May 6, 2004), as reproduced by The Straits Times (May 7, 2004).

    Google Scholar 

  5. Jason Burke, Al-Qaeda (London: Penguin Books, 2007), 3.

    Google Scholar 

  6. The phrase “propaganda by deed” was first used by Prince Pyotr Kropotkin in his pamphlet Revolutionary Government (1880). Bruce Hoffman, Inside Terrorism (New York: Columbia University Press, 1998), 17.

    Google Scholar 

  7. Rohan Gunaratna, ed., The Changing Face of Terrorism (Singapore: Eastern University Press, 2004), 14.

    Google Scholar 

  8. Rohan Gunaratna, “Al-Qaeda’s Trajectory in 2003,” IDSS Perspectives (May 3, 2003). http://www.ntu.edu.sg/idss/Perspective/research_050303.htm

    Google Scholar 

  9. Barry Desker, “The Jemaah Islamiyah Phenomenon in Singapore,” Contemporary Southeast Asia, Vol. 25, No. 3 (2003), 489–490.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  10. Barry Desker, “The Jemaah Islamiyah Phenomenon in Singapore,” Contemporary Southeast Asia, Vol. 25, No. 3 (2003), 489–490.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  11. Marc Sageman, “Understanding Terror Networks,” Foreign Policy Research Institute (November 1, 2004). http://www.fpri.org/enotes/20041101.middleeast.sageman.understandingterrornetworks.html

    Google Scholar 

  12. Rohan Gunaratna, “The Post Madrid Face of Al Qaeda,” The Washington Quarterly, Vol. 27, No. 3 (Summer 2004), 93. The figure 4,000 members come from Al Qaeda detainee debriefs, including the FBI interrogation of Mohommad Mansour Jabarah, Canadian operative of Kuwaiti-Iraqi origin now in USA custody since 2002.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  13. Banks, de Nevers, Wallerstein, Combating Terrorism: Strategies and Approaches (Washington, DC: CQ Press, 2008), 55.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  14. Angel Rabasa et al., Beyond al-Qaeda, Part 1, “The Global Jihadist Movement,” Rand Project Air Force (Santa Monica, CA, 2006), 68.

    Google Scholar 

  15. Bruce Hoffman, “Challenges for the U.S. Special Operations Command Posed by the Global Terrorist Threat: Al Qaeda on the Run or on the March?” (Written Testimony to the House Armed Services Committee, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, February 14, 2007). http://armedservices.house.gov/pdfs/TUTC021407/Hoffman_Testimony021407.pdf

    Google Scholar 

  16. Donald Kerr, “Emerging Threats, Challenges and Opprtunities in the Middle East,” Paper Presented at a Conference Sponsored by the Washington Institute for Near East Policy (Washington DC, May 29, 2008), www.the-washingtoninstitute.org/templateC07.php?CID=397

    Google Scholar 

  17. National Intelligence Estimate, The Terrorist Threat to the US Homeland (Washington, DC.: The National Intelligence Council, 2007). http://www.dni.gov/press_releases/20070717_release.pdf

    Google Scholar 

  18. Rohan Gunaratna, “The post-Madrid face of Al Qaeda,” The Washington Quarterly, Vol. 27, No. 3 (2004): 99.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  19. Audrey Kurth Cronin, “How al-Qaida Ends: The Decline and Demise of Terrorist Groups,” International Security, Vol. 31, No. 1 (2006): 7.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  20. Jason Burke, “The New Matrix of Terror,” India Today (July 25, 2005). http://archives.digitaltoday.in/indiatoday/20050725/cs-al.html

    Google Scholar 

  21. Brynjar Lia, “Al-Suri’s Doctrines for Decentralized Jihad Training,” Part 1, Terrorism Monitor, Jamestown Foundation, Vol. V, No. 1 (January 18, 2007): 2.

    Google Scholar 

  22. Jason Burke, Al-Qaeda (London: Penguin Books, 2007), 15.

    Google Scholar 

  23. Angel Rabasa et al., “Beyond al-Qaeda,” Part 1, The GlobalJihadist Movement, Rand Project Air Force (Santa Monica, CA: RAND Corporation 2006), 38–39.

    Google Scholar 

  24. Angel Rabasa et al., “Beyond al-Qaeda,” Part 1, The GlobalJihadist Movement, Rand Project Air Force (Santa Monica, CA: RAND Corporation 2006), 38–39.

    Google Scholar 

  25. Eliza Manninghma-Buller, Terrorism Conference, Royal United Services Institute (London, July 17, 2003).

    Google Scholar 

  26. Eliza Manninghma-Buller, Terrorism Conference, Royal United Services Institute (London, July 17, 2003).

    Google Scholar 

  27. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), “Remarks Prepared for Delivery by Director Robert S. Mueller, III, Federal Bureau of Investigation,” (The City Club of Cleveland, June 23, 2006). http://www.fbi.gov/pressrel/speeches/mueller062306.htm The Christian Science Monitor (July 26, 2006). http://www.csmonitor.com/2006/0626/p01s01-ussc.html

    Google Scholar 

  28. Richard A. Falkenrath, “Prepared Statement of Testimony Before the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs,” (United States Senate, Washington, DC, September 12, 2006). http://hsgac.senate.gov/_files/091206Falkenrath.pdf

    Google Scholar 

  29. Gary LaFree, cited in Patrik Jonsson, “New Profile of the Home-grown Terrorist emerges,” The Investigative Project on Terrorism (June 26, 2006). http://www.investigativeproject.org/133/new-profile-of-the-home-grown-terrorist-emerges

    Google Scholar 

  30. Gary LaFree, cited in Patrik Jonsson, “New Profile of the Home-grown Terrorist emerges,” The Investigative Project on Terrorism (June 26, 2006). http://www.investigativeproject.org/133/new-profile-of-the-home-grown-terrorist-emerges

    Google Scholar 

  31. George J. Tenet, “The Worldwide Threat 2004: Challenges in a Changing Global Context,” Testimony before the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence (Global Security.org, January 24, 2004), http://www.globalsecurity.org/intell/library/congress/2004_hr/tenet_24feb 2004.htm

    Google Scholar 

  32. Robert F. Worth, “Freed by the U.S., Saudi Becomes a Qaeda Chief,” The New York Times (January 22, 2009). http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/23/world/middleeast/23yemen.html?hp

    Google Scholar 

  33. Paul J. Smith, “Prospects for US-China Cooperation,” (testimony before the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission Hearing on “China’s Military and Security Activities Abroad,” Washington, DC, the United States, March 4, 2009). http://www.uscc.gov/hearings/2009hearings/written_testimonies/09_03_04_wrts/09_03_04_smith_statement.pdf

    Google Scholar 

  34. Richard K. Betts, “The Soft Underbelly of American Primacy: Tactical Advantages of Terror,” Political Science Quarterly, Vol. 117, No. 1 (2002)

    Google Scholar 

  35. Martha Crenshaw, “Why America? The Globalization of Civil War,” Current History, Vol. 100, No. 650 (December 2001): 425.

    Google Scholar 

  36. Shirley A. Kan, “U.S.—China Counterterrorism Cooperation: Issues for U.S. Policy,” (Washington, DC; Congressional Research Service, October 29, 2008).

    Google Scholar 

  37. Akram Hijazi, “A Journey into the Mind of the Salafia al-Jihadia: Al-Qa’ida as a Model,”Al-Quds Al-Arabi newspaper published in London, August 28 to 31, 2006 (four parts), Part Two: The Economy and the Theory of the Snake’s Head.

    Google Scholar 

  38. Paul J. smith, “Prospects for US-China Cooperation,” (March 4, 2009). http://www.uscc.gov/hearings/2009hearings/written_testimonies/09_03_04_wrts/09_03_04_smith_statement.php

    Google Scholar 

  39. Imam Samudra Aku Melawan Teroris (“I am fighting for Terrorism”). For a detailed discussion about Imam Samudra’s justification of Bali Bombings, see Mohammad Haniff Hassan, Unlicensed to Kill: Countering Imam Samudra’s Justification for the Bali Bombings (Singapore, Peace Matters, 2006).

    Google Scholar 

  40. Imam Samudra Aku Melawan Teroris (“I am fighting for Terrorism”). For a detailed discussion about Imam Samudra’s justification of Bali Bombings, see Mohammad Haniff Hassan, Unlicensed to Kill: Countering Imam Samudra’s Justification for the Bali Bombings (Singapore, Peace Matters, 2006).

    Google Scholar 

  41. Urvashi Aneja, “China-Bangladesh Relations: An Emerging Strategic Partnership?” Special Report No. 33 (Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies, November 2006), 5. http://www.ipcs.org/IPCS-Special-Report-33.pdf

    Google Scholar 

  42. B. Raman, “The Blast in Gwadar,” South Asia Analysis Group (May 8, 2004). http://southasiaanalysis.org/papers10/paper993.html

    Google Scholar 

  43. B. Raman, “The Blast in Gwadar,” South Asia Analysis Group (May 8, 2004). http://southasiaanalysis.org/papers10/paper993.html

    Google Scholar 

  44. Fazal-ur-Rahman, “Targeted Attacks on Chinese: Myth and Reality,” (Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad, 2007). http://www.issi.org.pk/journal/2007_files/no_4/article/a6.htm and Jenny Booth & agencies, “Chinese workers targeted in deadly Pakistan suicide bombing,” Times Online (July 19, 2007). http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article2103936.ece

    Google Scholar 

  45. Tarique Niazi, “China, Pakistan, and Terrorism,” FPIF Commentary (July 16, 2007). http://www.fpif.org/fpiftxt/4384 and “Chinese Workers Shot in Pakistan,” BBC (July 9, 2007). http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/6282574.stm

    Google Scholar 

  46. Zahid Hussain and Jane Macartney, “Suicide Bomb Attack Jolts China into Realizing the Risks of Global Ambition,” The Times Online (July 20, 2007). http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/arti-cle2106397.ece

    Google Scholar 

  47. Jenny Booth and agencies, “Chinese Workers Targeted in Deadly Pakistan Suicide Bombing,” The Times Online (July 19, 2007).

    Google Scholar 

  48. Jenny Booth and agencies, “Chinese Workers Targeted in Deadly Pakistan Suicide Bombing,” The Times Online (July 19, 2007).

    Google Scholar 

  49. Carlotta Gall, “Taliban Suspected in Killing of 11 Chinese Workers,” New York Times (June 11, 2004); “Mystery Shrouds Killing of Chinese in Afghanistan,” China Daily (updated June 21, 2004). http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2004-06/21/content_341247.htm

    Google Scholar 

  50. Carlotta Gall, “Taliban Suspected in Killing of 11 Chinese Workers,” New York Times (June 11, 2004); “Mystery Shrouds Killing of Chinese in Afghanistan,” China Daily (updated June 21, 2004). http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2004-06/21/content_341247.htm

    Google Scholar 

  51. H. H. Michael Hsiao and Alan Yang, “Ins and Outs of a China Courtship,” Asia Times (December 4, 2008). http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Southeast_Asia/JL04Ae02.html

    Google Scholar 

  52. Sheng Ding and Robert A. Saunders, “Talking Up China: An Analysis of China’s Rising Cultural Power and the Global Promotion of the Chinese Language,” East Asia: An International Journal, Vol. 23, No. 2 (2006): 3.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  53. “China, Indonesia Intensify Economic Cooperation,” China Daily (October 7, 2006). http://www.indonesia-ottawa.org/information/details.php?type=news_copy&id=3024

    Google Scholar 

  54. “China intends to increase investment in Indonesia,” ANTARA News Agency (December 22, 2006). http://www.indonesia-ottawa.org/information/details.php?type=news_copy&id=3264

    Google Scholar 

  55. Brian Padden, “Indonesian Muslims protest against China’s crackdown on Uighur,” VOA News (July 16, 2009), http://www.voanews.com/english/archive/2009-07/2009-07-16-voa10.cfm?CFID=283571748 & CFTOKEN=50252070&jsessionid=0030cf81462af08ec7a1237602a2e6 f452f1

    Google Scholar 

  56. “Government Must Lodge Notes of Protest with China,” Bernama (July 13, 2009), http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v5/newsworld.php?id=424876

    Google Scholar 

  57. Brian Padden, “Indonesian Muslims Protest against China’s Crackdown on Uighur,” VOA News (July 16, 2009).

    Google Scholar 

  58. “Barney Jopson, Somalia Oil Deal for China,” Financial Times (July 13, 2007). http://www.ft.com/cms/s/2/20a8a430-3167-11dc-891f-0000779 fd2ac.html

    Google Scholar 

  59. “Long-standing China-Algeria Ties Show Strong Momentum for Growth,” Window of China (March 21, 2008), http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-03/21/content_7835496.htm

    Google Scholar 

  60. “Long-standing China-Algeria Ties Show Strong Momentum for Growth,” Window of China (March 21, 2008), http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-03/21/content_7835496.htm

    Google Scholar 

  61. “China-Algeria Trade Has Great Potential: MOFTEC,” People’s Daily (August 23, 2002), http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/200208/23/eng 20020823_101976.shtml

    Google Scholar 

  62. “China-Algeria Trade Has Great Potential: MOFTEC,” People’s Daily (August 23, 2002), http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/200208/23/eng 20020823_101976.shtml

    Google Scholar 

  63. Sun Shangwu, “China, Egypt Agree on Nuke Co-operation,” China Daily (November 8, 2006). http://chinadaily.com.cn/china/2006-11/08/content_727329.htm

    Google Scholar 

  64. “China, Egypt Launched Construction of Oil Rigs Plant,” Huliq News (May 31, 2007). http://www.huliq.com/23222/china-egypt-launched-construction-of-oil-rigs-plant

    Google Scholar 

  65. “Feature: “China Fever” Sweeps Egypt,” People’s Daily (October 17, 2006).

    Google Scholar 

  66. “China and Egypt go Hand in Hand,” Jane’s Information Group (January 18, 2007).

    Google Scholar 

  67. Liu Baijia, “Chinese SEZ Likely in Egypt,” China Daily (November 14, 2007). http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/bizchina/2007-11/14/content_6253381.htm

    Google Scholar 

  68. Liu Baijia, “Chinese SEZ Likely in Egypt,” China Daily (November 14, 2007). http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/bizchina/2007-11/14/content_6253381.htm

    Google Scholar 

  69. “Iraq and China Sign Oil Deal Soon, International Herald Tribune,” The Associated Press (AP) (August 21, 2008), http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/08/21/business/21oilchi.php

    Google Scholar 

  70. “Four Oil Workers Killed in Algeria Bus Attack,” Reuters AlertNet (March 4, 2007). http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L04254748.htm

    Google Scholar 

  71. Craig S. Smith, “Qaeda-Linked Group Claims Algerian Attack,” New York Times (December 13, 2006). http://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/13/world/africa/13algeria.html

    Google Scholar 

  72. Tania Branigan, “Al-Qaida Threatens to Target Chinese over Muslim Deaths in Urumqi,” Guardian (July 14, 2009). http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/jul/14/al-qaida-threat-china-urumqi and Cui Jia and Cui Xiaohuo, “Al-Qaida threatens Chinese abroad,” China Daily (July 15, 2009). http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2009xinjiangriot/2009-07/15/content_8428724.htm

    Google Scholar 

  73. Cui Jia and Cui Xiaohuo, “Al-Qaida Threatens Chinese Abroad,” China Daily (July 15, 2009). http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2009xinjiangriot/2009-07/15/content_8428724.htm

    Google Scholar 

  74. “Three Suspects Arrested in Chinese Diplomat Shooting,” People’s Daily (July 2, 2002). http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/200207/02/print 20020702_98986.html

    Google Scholar 

  75. Bakyt Ibraimov, “Uighurs: Beijing to Blame for Kyrgyz Crackdown,” Eurasianet.org (January 28, 2004). http://www.eurasianet.org/departments/civilsociety/articles/eav012804.shtml

    Google Scholar 

  76. “China Condemns Killing of Kidnapped Workers in Sudan,” Xinhua Net (October 28, 2008). http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-10/28/content_10266701.htm

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Authors
  1. Rohan Gunaratna
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Arabinda Acharya
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Wang Pengxin
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Copyright information

© 2010 Rohan Gunaratna, Arabinda Acharya and Wang Pengxin

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Gunaratna, R., Acharya, A., Pengxin, W. (2010). Threats to China from Al Qaeda. In: Ethnic Identity and National Conflict in China. Palgrave Macmillan, New York. https://doi.org/10.1057/9780230107878_6

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation