# Starbucks expansion in Xinjiang controversy

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/starbucks-expansion-in-xinjiang-controversy
> Updated: 2026-10-05T04:41:34.000Z. Sources: 30. Developments: 3.

Starbucks has opened its first two stores in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, located at the Grand Bazaar and Tianshan International Airport in Urumqi. The expansion follows a restructuring of the company’s Chinese operations, in which the Chinese venture capital firm Boyu Capital acquired a 60% stake in Starbucks’ China retail business, while the company retains 40% ownership and maintains its brand and intellectual property.

The move has triggered significant political backlash in the United States. John Moolenaar, chairman of the House Select Committee on the CCP, criticized the decision, describing it as ‘morally bankrupt’ and ‘shocking.’ He has urged the company to close the locations, arguing that the presence of an iconic American brand links the company to the Chinese government’s treatment of the Uyghur population. 

While human rights organizations argue the commercial presence helps normalize the situation in the region, the Chinese government denies allegations of repression, stating its policies target terrorism and extremism. The ongoing political tension has placed pressure on the company’s brand and stock performance.

## Claims

- Starbucks sold 60 percent of its retail business in China to Boyu Capital earlier this spring. (disputed by 12 sources)
- John Moolenaar called the opening of stores in Xinjiang 'shocking and morally bankrupt'. (corroborated by 13 sources)
- Starbucks opened two new cafes in Urumqi, one at the Grand Bazaar and one at the international airport. (corroborated by 13 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-05: Starbucks faces US criticism over new stores in Xinjiang

Starbucks faces US political criticism following the opening of two new stores in Xinjiang, China, amid ongoing human rights disputes in the region.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/starbucks-faces-us-criticism-over-new-stores-in-xinjiang

### 2026-10-03: Starbucks faces US pressure over new Xinjiang locations

Starbucks faces US political pressure to close new cafes in Xinjiang, China, following human rights concerns regarding the treatment of the Uyghur minority.

19 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/starbucks-faces-pressure-over-new-xinjiang-locations

### 2026-10-01: Starbucks expands into Xinjiang amid U.S. political criticism

Starbucks has debuted in China's Xinjiang region with two new stores in Urumqi, sparking criticism from U.S. lawmakers over human rights concerns in the territory.

10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/starbucks-expands-in-china-with-first-stores-in-xinjiang

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Cite as: Starbucks expansion in Xinjiang controversy. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/starbucks-expansion-in-xinjiang-controversy