China Olympics Terrorism Threat

The Chinese Government is concerned about possible terrorist threats during the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. Officials have stated that they are taking all threats seriously and urge the public to uphold a "high degree of vigilance" in the time leading up to the Olympics.¹

Fast Facts

1. Interpol has said it will send a team of experts to help China with security efforts²
2. China has not joined U.S. military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan
3. China faces opposition from Islamic separatists within Uighur, located in western China²
4. Stopped an alleged Beijing Olympics terrorist plot to kidnap foreigners during the Beijing Olympics³
5. International human rights organizations warn that China may be including political dissenters and peaceful protesters as terrorists³

April Plot Uncovered

In April, 2008, China's Ministry of Public Security apprehended 45 suspected terrorists during two separate raids in Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang Province.⁴ The region is heavily populated by Islamic citizens, descended from the Uighur people. China claims that the area is home to terrorist cells, some affiliated with Al Qaeda.⁴

International Doubts

International human rights groups have questioned China's assertions about Al Qaeda cells in the region. Amnesty International says Beijing may use a claim of alleged terrorism to repress any activism for independence in the region.⁴

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