China’s Fight Against ETIM: A Look at the Terrorist Group’s Activities and Threat

The East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM) is causing considerable fear within China, leading the nation to seek international intervention. China requested immediate action against the terrorist organization at a UN meeting on August 20, warning that inaction could have serious consequences in the Middle East and South Asia. Geng Shuang, China’s Deputy Permanent Representative, stated that thousands of ETIM terrorists have become active in Syria and could spread terror. Established by Hasan Mahsum in the 1990s, ETIM aims to create an independent Turkestan and has links to assisting Uyghurs in China. The group initially received funding from al-Qaeda and had ties to Osama bin Laden’s training camps. Sanctions were imposed on the organization in 2002. The founder and his successor were killed by China. Between 2008 and 2014, ETIM conducted numerous attacks in China, causing many casualties and injuries. China is worried about the group’s resurgence in Syria, which poses a threat to many nations in the Middle East and South Asia. The Uyghur population in Xinjiang province poses a major concern. The Belt and Road project’s stability in Xinjiang could be at risk.