Story perspectives

Moolenaar Urges Starbucks to Close Xinjiang Stores

By Drooid · Oct 2, 2026, 11:17 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Rep. John Moolenaar urged Starbucks to shut its newly opened Xinjiang stores, calling the move morally bankrupt.
Starbucks opened two Urumqi locations—a Grand Bazaar shop and an outlet at the international airport.
China’s foreign ministry labeled U.S. allegations “naked lies” and said Xinjiang enjoys economic growth, racial unity, religious harmony.
Starbucks China CEO Liu Wenjuan posted on WeChat that the company will continue investing in Xinjiang.

History

Historical Context

Starbucks entered China in 1999, opening its first Beijing store amid a glocalization trend that tailors global brands to local tastes, later sparking a Forbidden City protest. By 2023 the chain operates about 5,000 Chinese stores, and a 2022 Alibaba partnership promises a $1 billion digital-sales boost, while Rep. John Moolenaar urges closure of a new Urumqi airport shop.

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Story summary

Rep. John Moolenaar urged Starbucks to shut its newly opened Xinjiang stores, calling the move morally bankrupt.
Starbucks opened two Urumqi locations—a Grand Bazaar shop and an outlet at the international airport.
China’s foreign ministry labeled U.S. allegations “naked lies” and said Xinjiang enjoys economic growth, racial unity, religious harmony.
Starbucks China CEO Liu Wenjuan posted on WeChat that the company will continue investing in Xinjiang.

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