"At the same time, international campaigns for Uighur rights and possible independence have become increasingly vocal and well-organized," Burhan Uluyol, an associate professor at the Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University, a Uighur activist and author of four books and 60 journal articles, wrote in The Jerusalem Post.

"The Uighur community survives among a diaspora that is spread across central Asia and Europe. Supporters and activists need financial help, however," the activist said.

He said the Xinjiang independence movement needs guidance and international support.

"It is very clear that China has an economic choke hold on the Muslim world and is fearful of paying even lip service to the Uighur cause,"the activist said.