Such hardline figures ranged from clerics to influential commentators whose views are often shared and read by Syria-focused conservative communities online, and are likely to reach HTS supporters and possibly officials.

It also tries to shape narratives about China in foreign media, target Chinese government critics abroad and co-opt influential overseas Chinese figures.

Mr Jones is one of Australia's most influential media figures and a former coach of its national rugby union team.

Cruise starred as the pilot Maverick in Top Gun, a movie about Cold War flying aces, and it was so influential that the Navy even set up recruitment tables in theatres.

He is saying, in other words, that the stars are taking this into their own hands to make an influential push to end the stalemate.