Amid Syrian political turmoil, Southeast Asia should be vigilant against spread of extremism: Analysts

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A "REAL CAUSE FOR CONCERN" TO CHINA

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Despite China’s geographical distance from the conflict, analysts warned that the rebel takeover in Syria should be raising alarm bells in Beijing.

Jonathan Ping from Bond University, a China studies expert, described developments in Syria as “a real cause for concern” for China, citing credible reports that the Turkestan Islamic Party (TIP) has been fighting alongside HTS.

“(The militants’) control of the region and their broader influence could bring battlefield skills, provoke unrest, threaten stability, and challenge China’s regional security and investments,” he said.