Chinese are inveterate traders. The Chinese diaspora encircles the world and, more recently, has spread into Africa. Merchants and businessmen have followed government investment and projects in these developing corners.

They have faced few, if any, enemies. Chinese are generally seen as fellows from a developing nation who create stiff competition but are not colonial masters or foes.

That means poor Chinese desperate to make a better living overseas have felt little vulnerability to kidnappings or terrorist attacks.

That could be about to change. Official numbers are unavailable for the number of Chinese working in Africa but hundreds of thousands are thought to be scattered across the continent. They would make easy targets for extremist militant groups.

Even if al-Qaeda’s leaders are in no hurry to expand their fight — already under fierce assault in Pakistan and Afghanistan — affiliate groups may be given a free hand to attack Chinese interests in Africa.

“This will demonstrate that AQ cares about Muslims in China but precludes the need for AQ Central to commit to a new, unwelcome campaign,” the Stirling Assynt report said.

China must decide who will protect its oil workers in Sudan — previously attacked — its construction workers in Yemen or its traders across North Africa. It remains to be seen whether Beijing will pull in its horns or take the risk that the lack of attention so far from al-Qaeda is a safe bet.

Times Recommends

• 'Radio Rancid' is scourge of Obama
• French gulp as global warming alters wines
• Colton, the barefoot boy bandit, outfoxes sheriffs