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Starbucks expansion in Xinjiang controversy

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2026-10-03 03:08 UTC → 2026-10-05 18:12 UTC · added ~~removed~~

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.~~ 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, ~~citing concerns regarding~~ 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.

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