Starbucks opens first cafés in Xinjiang region
The prompted criticism from activists and US lawmakers over the coffee giant’s decision to expand into an area widely scrutinized for human rights violations.
Starbucks has inaugurated its first cafés in China’s Xinjiang region, a move that has drawn criticism from activists and US lawmakers regarding the company's expansion into an area known for human rights concerns. China has denied accusations of repression against the Uyghur Muslim population and has been actively rebranding the region, with state media reporting a 22% increase in new foreign-funded enterprises and a 10% rise in foreign investment in 2025.
The U.S. House committee on China's chairman labeled Starbucks' decision as "morally bankrupt," accusing the company of aligning itself with China's "brutal campaign against the Uyghurs."
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