US Congressman demands Starbucks close stores in Xinjiang

Starbucks: Starbucks operates as a major global coffeehouse chain focused on beverages, food, and creating community gathering spaces. Under CEO Brian Niccol, the company continues its Back to Starbucks strategy emphasizing customer experience enhancements and selective international growth. In the context of this news, Starbucks recently opened its first stores in China's Xinjiang region via its China joint venture, prompting demands from US lawmakers for immediate closure over regional human rights issues. Human Rights Context: US congressional leaders have publicly condemned business operations in Xinjiang due to documented repression of Uyghurs and other minorities. Legislative Response: The chairman of the House Select Committee on China has specifically called on the company to reverse its decision and close the new Xinjiang locations. China Market Strategy: Starbucks has pursued deeper expansion in China through a new joint venture structure aimed at broader store network growth across the country.