Menschenrechte: Starbucks wegen neuer Filialen in Xinjiang unter Druck

The US coffee chain Starbucks finds itself facing political pressure due to its first outlets in the Chinese region of Xinjiang. John Moolenaar, the chairman of the House of Representatives' China Special Committee, urged the company to cease operations in light of the repression faced by the Uighur minority. He branded the expansion as "shocking and morally bankrupt," stating that Starbucks should change course immediately and close its outlets in Xinjiang.

Every cup sold serves as a link between a well-known American brand and the brutal actions of the Chinese Communist Party against the Uighurs. On Tuesday, Starbucks opened two cafes in the regional capital Urumqi: one at the Grand Bazaar and another at the international airport. Xinjiang is home to many members of the predominantly Muslim Uighur minority.

Human rights organizations accuse the Chinese government of suppressing this minority. Beijing rejects the accusations. Starbucks sold 60 percent of its China retail business to the Chinese financial investor Boyu Capital in the spring. The remaining 40 percent is still owned by Starbucks. The dispute over Xinjiang repeatedly puts companies under pressure from both sides.

Volkswagen faced criticism for its factory in Xinjiang for years. The joint venture with SAIC was sold in late 2024. In December 2021, H&M and Adidas became targets of boycott calls after they expressed concerns over possible forced labor in Xinjiang.