Uighurstan was also independent, part of the Mongol Empire, probably had a few pieces in the Tibetan and old Samarkandian Empires, but now if you gave that region a plebiscite...they would likely vote independence. Especially if you had given that plebiscite when they WERE independent 50 years ago.
If China wants to keep that territory despite unrest, it's their problem to deal with it. No sympathy, and they better as hell keep the Olympians and travelers safe.
I sure if voting is allow for secession, most places will choose secession also. but we shall see also... Xinjiang does also have a large Han presence since 50 years ago.
I agree that if China wants to keep it, they will have to defend it.
p/s: If one day Xinjiang is allow to be independence and the Uigurs majority wants to banish all non Uigurs immigrants and confiscate their properties and make Xinjiang a muslim state, will you still support it?