Starbucks is facing criticism in the US after opening its first stores in China’s Xinjiang region, with lawmakers and human rights advocates raising concerns over alleged abuses against the predominantly Muslim Uyghur population.
Reuters reported that Starbucks Xinjiang outlets opened this week in Urumqi, the regional capital. One store is located at the Grand Bazaar, while another operates at Urumqi International Airport.
The Starbucks Xinjiang stores Uyghur rights concerns have drawn attention because of longstanding international scrutiny of China’s policies in the region.
US Representative John Moolenaar, chairman of the House Select Committee on China, called on Starbucks to close the new outlets. He described the decision as “morally bankrupt” and criticised the company for operating in a region where Uyghurs have faced allegations of widespread repression.
China has rejected allegations of human rights abuses in Xinjiang. Beijing has said its policies are focused on combating terrorism, separatism and religious extremism.
The World Uyghur Congress also criticised the expansion, arguing that businesses should not contribute to an economy where concerns over forced labour remain.
The Starbucks Xinjiang stores Uyghur rights concerns come as the company continues to expand its presence in China. Starbucks China CEO Liu Wenjuan said the new outlets were intended to combine local culture with customer needs.
The dispute centres on Uyghur rights concerns that have shaped international scrutiny of Xinjiang for years. The US government has previously accused Chinese authorities of detention, forced labour and restrictions on religious freedom in the region, while China has rejected such accusations.
Starbucks has indicated that it intends to continue investing in Xinjiang despite the criticism. The company has not publicly announced a plan to close the two newly opened outlets.
The Starbucks Xinjiang stores’ Uyghur rights concerns are likely to remain part of wider scrutiny over how international companies operate in regions facing human rights allegations.
The latest development also places Starbucks Xinjiang expansion within the broader restructuring of the company’s Chinese business, as the coffee chain seeks further growth in one of its largest international markets.
