China’s foreign ministry criticises US lawmakers after Starbucks opens its first stores in Xinjiang. Chinese officials reject claims tied to human-rights abuses in the region and denounce the US characterisation of the situation.
In particular, China responds to John Moolenaar, chairman of the US House Select Committee on China, who urges Starbucks to close two new cafes in Urumqi after calling the move “morally bankrupt.” US sources referenced by outlets say the committee has raised “genocide” concerns over the treatment of Uyghurs, a charge China denies. Chinese officials, including a foreign ministry spokesman quoted by outlets, describe the allegations as fabricated and accuse the US of using the issue for political purposes.
Outlets also note Starbucks says it plans to continue operating in Xinjiang. The reports place the controversy alongside Starbucks’ broader business activity in China, including recent expansion via a joint venture that increases its national presence. While the US criticism focuses on alleged rights abuses, China frames the dispute as misinformation and challenges the basis of the claims.
