[Al Arabiya Latest] Al-Qaeda threatened for the first time to attack Chinese interests overseas in retaliation for the deaths of Muslims in the restive region of Xinjiang, prompting China to condemn terrorism and vow to protect its citizens abroad. | Interesting. |
"Although AQIM appear to be the first arm of al-Qaeda to officially state they will target Chinese interests, others are likely to follow," said the report, which was first divulged by the South China Morning Post Tuesday.
Following Stirling Assynt's report Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang issued a statement condemning terror and vowing protect its interests abroad. "The Chinese government opposes terrorism in any form," foreign ministry spokesman Qin Gang told reporters. "We will keep a close eye on developments and make joint efforts with relevant countries to take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of overseas Chinese institutions and people."