In the video, a Uighur fighter issued the threat against China just before executing an alleged informant. The Islamic State video showed fighters, including heavily armed children, giving speeches, praying, and killing other “informants”. Clarke said the hints of a Uighur split could “intensify the threat to China” as it indicates Uighur militants may be able to tap into the capabilities of both the Islamic State and al-Qaeda. Overseas experts have up to now expressed doubts about the strength of Uighur militants, with some saying China exaggerates the threat to justify tough security. A US think tank said in July that Chinese religious restrictions on Muslims may have driven more than 100 to join the Islamic State.

Source: Hindustan Times March 01, 2017 09:56 UTC