In the midst of Uyghur separatism, media attention, security analysis and academic research predominantly have been focusing on the political aspect of Islam in China. While not denying the importance of political Islam and security efforts in containing religious violence in China, this presentation provides initial findings of neglected social aspects of Muslims and their networking on the Web. The presentation shows some findings including growing interest of Chinese-speaking Muslims (Hui) in engaging the websites of social friendship and their projection of Muslim business endeavours within China and beyond, particularly the flourishing of China-Arab trade linkages. Through this initial analysis of understanding the networking behaviour of Chinese-speaking Muslims, this presentation suggests the implications of web analysis may assist us to comprehend the everyday life of Muslims in China.

Dr Wai Yip Ho, Hong Kong Institute of Education and A/Prof Robert Ackland, Australian Demographic & Social Research Institute, Australian National University.