If there were any doubts that Asia, and the Asia-Pacific region, needs to remain vigilant to the threat from terrorism this year, they should have been quickly dispelled. First, Bangkok was shocked on New Year's Eve by eight co-ordinated bombings. Then, on January 5, mainland police raided an East Turkistan Islamist Movement 'terror camp' in Xinjiang region . And, on January 11, there were three bombings in the Philippines as the country began hosting the Asean summit.
It is of little surprise, then, that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations conference opened last Wednesday with regional terror at the top of the agenda. Members agreed to establish a common terror group list. Its composition will be decided later, but it certainly will include al-Qaeda and its most active regional 'affiliate' - Jemaah Islamiah. Asean is also likely to endorse a counterterrorism convention.
Numerous states are strongly advocating such initiatives, facing profound threats from regional and global terrorists. The Jemaah Islamiah threat in Indonesia remains high, while Singapore is maintaining a major internal security emphasis on counterterrorism, convinced that it is a key target for regional extremists. Australia, also a focus of al-Qaeda and Jemaah Islamiah, remains on high alert, as well.
Region-wide co-operation is essential, and is, to an extent, already occurring behind the scenes, as illustrated by the role taken by Australian specialists in the investigation into Thailand's New Year's Eve bombings.
Closer to home, terrorism will certainly be on Beijing's agenda this year. While the risk of attacks, especially in Hong Kong, remain low, the dynamic Xinjiang situation remains a concern.
The PLA recently held a major counterterrorism exercise with Pakistani counterparts, while East Turkistan Islamic Movement militants were reportedly training in militant camps in Pakistan. And in his New Year address, it was noticeable that President Hu Jintao emphasised the issue of terrorism and national harmony, clear references to the Xinjiang separatists. The January 5 raid that is reported to have left at least 18 'terrorists' dead, and netted materials to make 1,500 explosive devices, marked the first time a terror camp has been identified as existing on mainland soil.