China rebuffs US criticism over Starbucks Xinjiang expansion

China's foreign ministry has condemned criticism from a US congressional committee targeting Starbucks for opening its first stores in Xinjiang, characterizing the allegations as a "blatant lie." The rebuke comes amid longstanding tensions between Washington and Beijing over the status of the northwestern region and the treatment of its Uyghur Muslim minority population.

The US has repeatedly claimed that China is committing genocide against Uyghurs in Xinjiang through mass detention, forced labour, and cultural suppression. Beijing categorically denies these charges, maintaining that its policies in the region are aimed at counter-terrorism and economic development.

Despite the international controversy, Starbucks has proceeded with its business expansion in Xinjiang through a joint venture arrangement in mainland China. The coffee chain's entry into the region marks a significant commercial milestone and reflects confidence in the market despite geopolitical sensitivities.

The dispute underscores the broader friction between the United States and China over human rights issues, with Western governments and rights organisations continuing to scrutinise corporate operations in Xinjiang. Beijing has consistently rejected external criticism of its policies as interference in internal affairs.