afrol News, 15 July - The Chinese government has warned its citizens in Algeria of possible reprisals from al Qaeda after the government cracked its whip in the Muslim region of Xinjiang earlier this month.

The statement issued from the Chinese Embassy in Algeria, called on all Chinese-funded organisations and personnel to be aware of possible attacks by the group in Algeria. Algeria has been a habour for Al Qaeda in the North Africa.

The warning, which was issued on Tuesday, came after a London risk consultancy Stirling Assynt report said to its clients, that al Qaeda might target Chinese workers in northwest Africa, following the ethnic riots in Urumqi, capital of Xinjiang.

The statement further called on Chinese citizens to immediately report to embassy personnel, as the embassy tightens security for Chinese people in the north African state.

Hundreds of thousands of Chinese work in the Middle East and North Africa, including 50,000 in Algeria, the report said.

Ethnic Muslim Uighurs, have accused Chinese forces of opening fire on peaceful protests, and said the number of people killed is far higher than the official tally of around 180.

On Tuesday, the foreign ministry said it would take all necessary measures to protect its overseas interests following the report.

Reports said a number of Chinese workers on international establishments have been kidnapped or attacked, over the past few years in many parts of the world with heavy Chinese investment.

By staff writer

© afrol News

Related pages and feature

Current afrol News Top Stories