According to global intelligence analysts Stratfor, the Turkestan Islamic Party is another name used by the Islamic Party of East Turkestan (ETIM), an ethnic Uighur and Muslim separatist group seeking to create an independent state out of China's westernmost, heavily Muslim Xinjiang province.
The United States, China and other countries have designated ETIM a terrorist group.
Beijing is wary of ethnic Uighur Muslims living in Xinjiang, who maintain an ethnic identity distinct from the Chinese and have struggled to re-establish the independent state of East Turkestan since their homeland became part of China in 1955.
Rights bodies say the Chinese government is cracking down on them under the pretext of fighting terrorism.
On June 27, Seyfullah released a five page statement, citing a long list of grievances against the Chinese government and calling for attacks on the Olympic Games and other targets in China.
The statement said the use of biological weapons would be permissible and that suicide bombers were ready and willing to carry out operations throughout the world.
"After receiving the order, asking Allah's continual help in this matter, the military commander has made the order to all brothers and sisters in every corner of the world, to move to the action phase,'' Seyfullah argued.
"These brothers and sisters have been waiting for the order and these brothers and sisters are volunteers who would commit suicide bombing when it is time for it.''
The separatist leader went on to urge attacks on Chinese officials, declaring readiness to kill the top leaders, soldiers, police, prison wardens, and accomplices.''
AFP