Revelation of Xinjiang locals joining ISIL increases China’s terror threat

World Today

The top official of the Communist Party of China’s committee in Xinjiang has confirmed that some residents of the northwestern Chinese region have joined the Islamic State group, causing a threat to the region. He said this at a meeting of the Xinjiang delegation, which was open to the press, in Beijing’s Great Hall of the People.

CCTV’s Han Peng filed this report from Beijing.

Highlights:

  • The Xinjiang delegation’s open meeting is one of the most anticipated event throughout the political season. Over the past year, the region has witnessed the bulk of the terrorist atrocities in China.
  • Xinjiang party chief Zhang Chunxian confirmed for the first time there are locals there who crossed the borders to join the Islamic State.
  • The autonomous region’s chairman, Shohrat Zakir, said this does not mean an escalation in terrorism. He said although the region, particularly its south, is faced with a complicated international situation, security is still under control.
  • Religious leader Abdulrekep Tumniaz, also a deputy of the National People’s Congress, said religious extremists are taking advantage of Muslims’ faith by distorting the Quran and inciting hatred and violence against other ethnic groups.

Jia Xiu-dong of the China Institute of Intl Studies talks China against ISIL

CCTV America interviewed Jia Xiu-dong for more on China’s anti-terrorism efforts.He is a Senior Researcher On International Affairs at the China Institute of International Studies.