John Moolenaar Demands Starbucks Close Xinjiang Stores
Representative John Moolenaar called on Starbucks to close its first two stores in Xinjiang, citing concerns over forced labor and human rights abuses.
U.S. Representative John Moolenaar, chairman of the House Select Committee on China, demanded that Starbucks close its first two stores in the Xinjiang region of China. The stores, which opened this week in Urumqi at the international airport and the city center's grand bazaar, sparked immediate backlash from Moolenaar and the World Uyghur Congress. They argue that operating in the region ties the American brand to the Chinese Communist Party's repression and forced labor of the Uyghur people.
Starbucks China CEO Liu Wenjuan responded via WeChat, stating the company will continue investing in Xinjiang. She framed the new locations as an experience that blends local culture with customer needs. This expansion follows a strategic shift in April 2026, when Starbucks finalized a joint venture with Boyu Capital, which now holds a 60% stake in the company's Chinese operations.
The Government of China has denied all allegations of human rights abuses in the region, asserting that its policies are designed to combat terrorism and extremism.
