John Moolenaar, chairman of the House Select Committee on China, called on Starbucks to close its newly opened stores in Xinjiang. China has been accused of human rights abuses against the Uyghur people. Moolenaar described Starbucks’ decision to operate in the region as “shocking and morally bankrupt.”
Starbucks’ China CEO has publicly reaffirmed the company’s commitment to investing in Xinjiang. The company recently opened two stores in Urumqi, the region’s capital, but has not directly addressed Moolenaar’s demand. The stores are part of a joint venture in which Starbucks holds a minority stake.
The Chinese government denies allegations of repression in Xinjiang, calling them “naked lies,” and says it will continue to welcome foreign investment.