U.S. Lawmaker Urges Starbucks to Close Its First Xinjiang Stores
Reuters reported October 2 that U.S. Representative John Moolenaar urged Starbucks to close its first two stores in Urumqi, Xinjiang. He cited concerns about reported human-rights abuses affecting Uyghurs and called the decision to operate there “morally bankrupt.”
China rejects allegations of widespread abuses and says its policies in Xinjiang address terrorism and extremism. Reuters reported that Starbucks had not commented on Moolenaar’s demand; the company’s China chief executive had previously said it would continue investing in the region. This report presents the lawmaker’s position and China’s response as claims by the respective parties.
Source: Reuters, October 2, 2026