US congressman demands Starbucks close its first stores in China's Xinjiang
SBUX•John Moolenaar called on Starbucks to close its first two stores in Xinjiang, opened this week in Urumqi. The company’s China CEO said it would continue investing in the region.
1. Stores open in Urumqi
Starbucks opened its first two stores this week in Urumqi, Xinjiang’s capital: one at the city’s Grand Bazaar and another at its international airport.
2. Congressman calls for closure
John Moolenaar, chairman of the House Select Committee on China, urged Starbucks to “immediately reverse course and close its stores,” calling the decision “morally bankrupt.” He cited allegations that more than a million Uyghurs have been detained. China’s Foreign Ministry called US allegations of repression “naked lies” and said Xinjiang had stable society, economic growth, racial unity and religious harmony.
3. China investment plans
Starbucks did not respond to requests for comment. On the company’s official WeChat platform, China CEO Liu Wenjuan said Starbucks would continue to invest in Xinjiang. The company’s China joint venture, in which Boyu Capital holds a 60% stake, operates about 8,000 outlets in China.
