Xinjiang

China is apparently feeling a bit better about Xinjiang, as it is allowing text messaging and some internet there again. Of course, being China, the internet is still highly restricted-in Xinjiang, right now, all that can be accessed is China Daily and a few other websites.

Here's an old Atlantic map and some additional info about internet censorship as well.

Unfortunately, this all shows that any powerful state will always have to the ability to utterly destroy any group's communication with the outside, if the state is ruthless enough. I do not know how much this will effect the ability of Uighur independence groups to continue, but it can't be helpful.

This provides a blueprint that other regimes can follow, of course. The question will be how much damage is done to the economy, and whether other regimes (such as Iran) are willing to bear that burden.