US congressman demands Starbucks close its first stores in China's Xinjiang
SBUX•US Representative John Moolenaar called on Starbucks to close its first two Xinjiang stores, opened this week in Urumqi, citing repression of Uyghurs. Starbucks said it would continue investing in the region.
1. Stores open in Urumqi
Starbucks opened its first two stores in Xinjiang this week, in the regional capital Urumqi: one at the city's grand bazaar and another at its international airport. The company said on WeChat that the stores offered an experience blending local culture and customer needs.
2. Congressman calls for closure
John Moolenaar, chairman of the House Select Committee on China, called on Starbucks to "immediately reverse course and close its stores." He described the decision as "shocking and morally bankrupt" and said the Chinese government had detained more than a million Uyghurs. China denies widespread accusations of abuses and says its policies in the region target terrorism, separatism and religious extremism.
3. Company plans continued investment
Starbucks China CEO Liu Wenjuan said the company would continue investing in Xinjiang. In April 2026, Starbucks finalized its China joint venture with Boyu Capital as its 60% stakeholder; the venture operates about 8,000 outlets in China.
