The Tang troops were reinforced Cause_change_of_strength by cavalry supplied by the Uyghurs , a tribe that had been allied Collaboration with the Tang since their support Supporting for the Uyghur revolt Change_of_leadership against the Xueyantuo .

The History of Xinjiang ( 新疆 ) concerns two main geographically , historically , and ethnically distinct regions with different historical names : Dzungaria north of the Tianshan Mountains ; and the Tarim Basin south of the Tianshan Mountains , currently mainly inhabited by the Uyghurs .

Recently , the East Turkestan independence movement has risen Cause_change_of_position_on_a_scale to prominence in the international arena due to allegations that China is indiscriminately interning and `` re-educating '' the Uyghurs in what many experts consider to be an attempt to eradicate Removing Uyghur religion , culture , language , and identity .

Uyghurs make up around 45 % of Xinjiang 's population whereas Han Chinese ( the main Chinese ethnicity ) make up around 40 % .