The Internet and social media are the main channels and tools for "East Turkistan" separatists to promote their beliefs among young people in the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, an expert said.

"The separatists, which seek independence for a so-called Eastern Turkistan, believe that once they gradually influence young people, they can achieve their goal of separating China. As the Internet becomes more and more popular in Xinjiang as its economy develops, it has provided convenience for separatists to spread their ideas and reach out to a greater audience," said Adiljan Ablat, a professor of politics and public management at Xinjiang University.

By the end of 2012, Xinjiang had 9.6 million Web users, of which about 44 percent are from ethnic groups. About 67 percent of ethnic users between the ages of 21 and 35 prefer and are used to receiving information over the Internet rather than through traditional media, he said.