Starbucks Opens First Xinjiang Cafes Amid US and Uyghur Condemnation

What changed

Starbucks opened its first two cafes in Xinjiang’s regional capital, Urumqi, on Sept. 29, 2026. The launch drew condemnation from John Moolenaar, chairman of the US House Select Committee on China, and the World Uyghur Congress over alleged abuses against Uyghurs and concerns about forced labour.

Why it matters

The stores put a familiar American brand inside one of the most politically sensitive business environments in China. The United Nations warned in 2022 of possible crimes against humanity in Xinjiang, while the Chinese government denies abuse allegations and says its policies have brought security and economic development.

That makes Starbucks’ decision more than a retail expansion. It links the company directly to a region where Western brands already face scrutiny over supply chains and state policy. The World Uyghur Congress said companies should not contribute to an economy where state-imposed forced labour remains a serious concern.

The move also arrives as Starbucks tries to reshape its China business. In 2025, it announced that investment firm Boya Capital would take a controlling stake in its Chinese retail operations, aiming to revitalise its second-largest market. Whether the Urumqi openings affect sales, the wider China strategy or trigger formal regulatory action remains unclear.