Beijing rejects human rights abuse claims over Starbucks stores in Xinjiang
Foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun calls allegations of genocide 'a blatant lie' and accuses US lawmakers of political attacks.
Quick Look
Beijing has rejected a US lawmaker's criticism of Starbucks for opening stores in Xinjiang, dismissing human rights abuse and genocide allegations as blatant lies.
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Why It Matters
Starbucks opened its first stores in the far-western region of Xinjiang, drawing criticism from a US lawmaker.
Beijing has hit back at a US lawmaker’s criticism of coffee chain Starbucks for opening its first stores in Xinjiang, rejecting the allegation that China has committed human rights abuses against the far-western region’s mostly Muslim Uygur population.
Foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun on Saturday said claims of “genocide” in Xinjiang were a “blatant lie” and accused the “US group” who raised the suggestions of attacking Beijing for political purposes.
“Today’s Xinjiang enjoys social stability, economic prosperity, ethnic unity and religious harmony,” Guo said, adding that China would provide more opportunities for foreign businesses to invest and operate in the country.
Open Questions
- Which US lawmaker criticized Starbucks?
- How many stores did Starbucks open in Xinjiang?
