Story perspectives

Starbucks Opens Xinjiang Cafés as China Investment Continues

By Drooid · Oct 2, 2026, 4:43 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Starbucks Expands Xinjiang

Starbucks opened two cafés in Xinjiang’s Grand Bazaar and Diwopu Airport on Tuesday.
Rep. John Moolenaar, chair of the House Committee on China, called the expansion “morally bankrupt.”
World Uyghur Congress said Starbucks ignores a dire human-rights situation by entering Xinjiang.
A 2021 U.S. law deems Xinjiang products tainted by forced labor unless proven otherwise.

Summary

Starbucks Forms JV

Starbucks finalized a China joint venture in April 2026, giving Boyu Capital 60% ownership.
China CEO Liu Wenjuan announced Starbucks will continue investing in Xinjiang.
Xinjiang stores display only English and Chinese signs, with no Uyghur-language signage.
The joint venture aims to grow Starbucks outlets from about 8,000 to 20,000 across China.

History

Historical Context

Nike’s 1991 report and 1996 Life magazine expose of Indonesian sweatshops sparked protests and prompted the Clinton administration to create an Apparel Industry Partnership to tighten import rules. The episode forced Nike to audit 600 factories in 2002-2004 and adopt a code of conduct, a precedent echoed as Starbucks’ 2026 Xinjiang joint venture with Boyu Capital draws criticism from Rep. John Moolenaar and the World Uyghur Congress.

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Starbucks Expands Xinjiang

Starbucks opened two cafés in Xinjiang’s Grand Bazaar and Diwopu Airport on Tuesday.
Rep. John Moolenaar, chair of the House Committee on China, called the expansion “morally bankrupt.”
World Uyghur Congress said Starbucks ignores a dire human-rights situation by entering Xinjiang.
A 2021 U.S. law deems Xinjiang products tainted by forced labor unless proven otherwise.

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