Uniqlo, the Japanese clothing giant, is facing criticism in China following comments made by Tadashi Yanai, CEO of its parent company. In a recent interview, Yanai stated that the brand does not source cotton from China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.
His remarks have sparked a wave of negative reactions on Chinese social media platforms. Many users expressed disappointment, with some calling for a boycott of the brand. One user commented, “If Uniqlo’s boss says they chose not to use Xinjiang’s cotton, I think that’s a disrespectful attitude toward China.” Others echoed similar sentiments, vowing not to purchase Uniqlo products.
The controversy escalated when users took their concerns to Uniqlo’s official online store on Tmall. Despite messages being read by online assistants, no responses were provided. Attempts to reach Uniqlo China’s public relations department have so far been unsuccessful.
Meanwhile, Mao Ning, spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, addressed the issue during a press briefing. “Cotton from the Xinjiang region is among the best in the world,” she stated. “We hope the relevant company will overcome political pressure and malign disruption, and independently make business decisions that serve its own interests.”
Xinjiang cotton has been a topic of international attention, and companies navigating this landscape face complex challenges. Uniqlo’s situation highlights the delicate balance global brands must maintain while operating in diverse markets.
Reference(s):
Uniqlo risks backlash in China after CEO's Xinjiang cotton comments
cgtn.com
