China slams US panel's 'genocide' claim after Starbucks opens first Xinjiang stores

China has accused the US House Select Committee on China of spreading “blatant lies” after the panel criticised Starbucks for opening its first stores in Xinjiang.

Foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said the committee was “fabricating claims out of thin air for political purposes” and had no credibility to comment on the region. “The so-called ‘genocide’ in Xinjiang is a blatant lie,” he added.

The remarks followed a statement on Oct 1 from committee chairman John Moolenaar, who called on Starbucks to “immediately reverse course and close its stores”, describing the move as a “shocking and morally bankrupt decision” by a company that prided itself on social responsibility.

Starbucks opened its first two stores in Urumqi, the regional capital, on Tuesday Sept 29 — one in the Grand Bazaar and another at Urumqi Tianshan International Airport, Xinhua reported.

The World Uyghur Congress also criticised the openings, saying Starbucks was “once again choosing to ignore a dire human rights situation”.

Beijing denies widespread accusations of abuses in Xinjiang, saying its policies there were aimed at combating terrorism, separatism and religious extremism. Guo said the region enjoyed “social stability, economic prosperity, ethnic unity and religious harmony”.

Starbucks finalised its China joint venture in April 2026, bringing in Boyu Capital as a 60% stakeholder. The venture operates about 8,000 outlets across China.

Sources: Reuters · Times of India · China Daily (Xinhua) · Straits Times