China cannot even muster the force projection necessary to crush the Uighurs in its own backyard. While the muslims may appear insignificant compared to the billion red chinese ants, they continue to be the cliff face against which the communist wave breaks. The Uighurs had a powerful influence on the writings of Marco Polo, and, at this rate, their influence will continue long after the destruction of the CCP. If China cannot even displace hostile natives within their empire as the US did so easily, why should anyone with an ocean separating them from the han have anything to fear?