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The Turkistan Islamic Party (TIP), a militant group with origins linked to the Uyghur Muslim minority in China’s Xinjiang region, has recently escalated its rhetoric against China.
Background of the Turkistan Islamic Party (TIP)
Established in the 1990s, TIP has long declared its primary goal as achieving Uyghur independence from what it calls the “Chinese occupation.” Over the past decade, TIP has been active in Syria, fighting alongside various rebel factions during the country’s prolonged civil war.
TIP fighters fled to the Middle East, escaping the reported oppression in Xinjiang. China has been accused of forcing over a million Uyghurs into re-education camps and suppressing Islamic practices. In Syria, TIP fighters joined forces with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), an Islamist group, to overthrow the Syrian regime. The group retained its identity and claimed involvement in several critical battles, including the recent rebel offensive that led to the collapse of the Syrian government in December 2024.
Role of TIP in the Syrian Conflict
The TIP played an active role in Syria’s civil war, fighting against powerful forces, including Syrian troops, Iranian-backed militias, Hezbollah, and Russian military support. TIP fighters were reportedly part of the offensive led by HTS in northwestern Syria. Videos released by TIP in recent weeks showcase their participation in critical battles, such as the November 2024 frontline clashes and the December entry into Damascus. The group also claimed to have advanced into strategic port cities like Latakia and Tartus, which previously hosted Russian military forces.
The propaganda videos feature fighters in military fatigues holding machine guns and tanks with TIP’s crescent-and-star flags. In one video, a masked fighter claimed victory in Syria’s cities and vowed to extend their struggle to Xinjiang. Using the Uyghur term for their homeland, East Turkistan, he stated, “We will chase the Chinese infidels away.”
TIP leaders have consistently highlighted their intent to return to China and launch attacks. Abd Haq al-Turkistani, TIP’s emir, emphasized their goal of liberating East Turkistan and criticized China’s alleged atrocities against Uyghurs.
TIP’s Threats to China
TIP’s recent threats are part of an unusual publicity campaign, showcasing their leader and battalions. Their propaganda includes direct threats against China, with images of bloodied representations of Chinese President Xi Jinping and references to historical incidents like the 1990 Baren Uprising. The Baren Uprising involved a confrontation between Uyghur protesters and Chinese forces, resulting in numerous deaths.
The group’s rhetoric portrays their actions as part of a global jihad, with their ultimate aim being the liberation of oppressed Muslims in East Turkistan. TIP’s fighters see their success in Syria as a stepping stone toward targeting Chinese interests.
However, questions remain about TIP’s actual capabilities to carry out attacks against China. Beijing has emphasized TIP’s activities as justification for its stringent policies in Xinjiang, but experts debate the group’s strength and cohesion. While TIP has been active in Syria, their resources, numbers, and firepower to directly challenge China remain unclear.
Implications for China and Syria
China, with its vast military and advanced weaponry, is well-equipped to defend its borders. However, its growing overseas investments and infrastructure projects make Chinese workers and assets more vulnerable to potential attacks. TIP’s presence in Syria could become a point of contention in the relationship between China and Syria’s new governing system.
HTS, which hosted TIP fighters during the civil war, faces a dilemma. On one hand, HTS has principles that require protecting foreign fighters who aided their cause. On the other, accommodating TIP’s ambitions against China could complicate Syria’s international relations.
TIP’s propaganda also underscores their gratitude toward HTS and other Syrian factions. In a recent video, a TIP fighter expressed appreciation for the hospitality they received in Syria, referring to their hosts as “gracious” during the decade-long civil war.
The group’s activities in Syria have been closely monitored, with experts noting their participation in the conflict as significant but not dominant compared to other rebel factions. While their propaganda paints a picture of determination, their broader influence on the region and their ability to expand operations remain uncertain.
TIP’s threats against China and its actions in Syria highlight a complex interplay of regional conflicts, international alliances, and ideological motivations. As TIP continues to navigate its identity as a militant group focused on Uyghur independence, its presence in Syria and rhetoric against China draw attention to the challenges faced by both nations in addressing these evolving dynamics.