Al-Qaeda Adds China to Its List of Enemies

The international terrorist organization Al-Qaeda has added China to its list of enemies.

The War on the Rocks reported on this.

Recently, the group’s leader on the Arabian Peninsula openly referred to China as a “pagan” and “infidel” enemy – marking a notable escalation in rhetoric compared to previous years.

The shift in focus by Al-Qaeda is attributed to China’s policies in Xinjiang – specifically, the repression of the Uyghurs, who are Muslims.

Previously, representatives of the terrorist organization mentioned this only occasionally, but it is now becoming a central point of their agenda.

As Beijing expands its economic and diplomatic influence in the Middle East and Africa, it is increasingly perceived by jihadists not merely as a trading partner, but as a new “imperialist” power replacing or supplementing the United States.

Representatives of Al-Qaeda also accuse China of supporting the governments of Muslim countries that the organization considers to be traitorous.

Jihadists often viewed China as a useful counterbalance to American hegemony. However, the article emphasizes that this period has come to an end.

The greatest threat now is to Chinese interests abroad – infrastructure projects (for example, those within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative), embassies, and citizens in regions where Al-Qaeda cells operate, such as in Africa or South Asia.

The terrorists are also likely to attempt to establish contacts with radical elements within China itself.

However, the strict control exercised by China’s security services over the population makes this task difficult.

Beijing will likely now have to devote significantly more resources to counterterrorism efforts and to protecting its assets worldwide from potential attacks.