US Congressman Demands Starbucks Close Its First Stores in China’s Xinjiang
Rep. John Moolenaar said the openings help obscure alleged CCP abuses against Uyghurs as Starbucks expands its China business through Boyu Capital.
- On Sept. 29, Starbucks opened two stores in Urumqi, Xinjiang, marking the American coffee giant's first retail presence in the region, heralded by Chinese state media as a significant expansion step.
- This expansion follows an April 2026 joint venture where Boyu Capital acquired a 60 percent stake in Starbucks' China operations, while Starbucks retained 40 percent ownership and brand control.
- Rep. John Moolenaar, chairman of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, criticized the openings on Oct. 1, calling it a "morally bankrupt decision" that ties the brand to the CCP's campaign against Uyghurs.
- Condemning the expansion, The World Uyghur Congress stated Starbucks ignores a "dire human rights situation" in the region. Chinese Embassy spokesperson Liu Chang promoted the openings as a "debut" in Xinjiang.
- Under the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, goods linked to Xinjiang face strict United States restrictions, amid United Nations warnings of possible crimes against humanity in the region.
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Starbucks struck one of Asia's most closely watched deals last year. Now it is getting headaches over choices made by a partner that leans toward Beijing.
Reformatorisch Dagblad
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The Chinese Foreign Ministry on Saturday dismissed allegations from a US congressional committee concerning northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region as lies and smears.
Hong Kong Free Press
Arab NewsChina slams US ‘lie’ over Starbucks stores in Xinjiang
China's foreign ministry accused a US congressional committee on Saturday of "fabricating claims" after its chairman called on Starbucks to shutter two newly opened cafes in Xinjiang over alleged rights abuses.
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