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.National Post: China says Olympics terrorist plot foiled (April 8, 2008)
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.Guardian Unlimited: China Claims to Have Foiled Olympic Kidnap Plot (April 10, 2008) 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.Guardian Unlimited: China Claims to Have Foiled Olympic Kidnap Plot (April 10, 2008)
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.Guardian Unlimited: China Claims to Have Foiled Olympic Kidnap Plot (April 10, 2008)
References
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China has not joined U.S. military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan
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International human rights organizations warn that China may be including political dissenters and peaceful protesters as terroristsGuardian Unlimited: China claims to have foiled Olympic kidnap plot (April 10, 2008)
