The growing, horrifying oppression of Muslims in a western Chinese province marks a key moment in Beijing's expansionist drive — and its global competition with America.

A key part of China's manufacturing machine, Xinjiang province is a gateway to Central Asia, and therefore crucial for President Xi Jinping's Belt and Road Initiative, a plan to create a formidable China-dominated realm all the way to the Indian Ocean and the Mideast.

The province's 11 million Uighurs call it "East Turkistan." They look different than most Chinese, have a different culture, practice moderate Islam — and have been oppressed by Beijing for decades. But now, seen as a major stumbling block to Xi's new ambitions, China's Communist Party has escalated its control.