CHINA WARNED ITS CITIZENS OVER 'AL QAEDA' THREAT

China has warned its citizens in Algeria to be on heightened alert following warnings that al-Qaeda could be plotting attacks on Chinese workers in North Africa in retaliation for the recent crackdown on unrest in China's western Xinjiang region.

• In a statement, China's foreign ministry said it was taking "all necessary measures" to protect Chinese nationals overseas.
• "We will keep a close eye on developments and make joint efforts with relevant countries … to ensure the safety of overseas Chinese institutions and people," a spokesman said.
• The warning follows the publication of an intelligence report citing "chatter" from al-Qaeda's North African arm vowing to avenge the deaths of Uighur Muslims killed during several days of unrest in the city of Urumqi.
• A posting on the website of the Chinese embassy in Algiers on Tuesday urged all Chinese nationals and organisations in the country to take increased safety precautions and strengthen security measures "in consideration of the situation after the July 5 incident in Urumqi".
• A diplomat, Shao, at the Chinese embassy in Algiers told Reuters: "We do believe that security has improved a lot in Algeria and we will rely on Algerian security forces to protect our people."
• In the Philippines, which is battling a Muslim insurgency in its south, the government has ordered security to be tightened around the Chinese embassy and consulates, said Andres Caro, head of the national police directorate.

Courtesy: Al Jazeera