BEIJING March 25 (Xinhua) – The latest on China’s response to Xinjiang cotton “boycotts” by some international trade and foreign companies: (always local)
20:03, 25 March
China’s public opinion should not be trampled on: spokesman
A spokesman for the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Thursday that China’s public opinion must not be trampled on.
President Hua Chunying made statements at a daily press briefing when asked to comment on the backlash in China against Swedish retailer H & M’s announcement about Xinjiang’s cotton products.
Hua called cotton from Xinjiang as one of the best in the world and said that the decision not to choose it only means losses for relevant companies.
The allegations of so-called forced labor in Xinjiang are purely harmful lies made by certain anti-China forces aimed at damaging China’s image, undermining Xinjiang’s security and stability, and containing China’s development, Hua said.
Providing more employment opportunities for people, including ethnic minorities, would normally be seen as a positive as it means improved livelihoods, Hua said.
“Why do some people hold on to the idea that this means forced labor and countless oppression? The reason is that these things have been practiced for literally 100 years in their history, so they are now measuring others by their own standards,” the spokesman said.
“We are open to welcoming foreign companies and personnel to live and work in China, but we oppose the harmful attacks and even methods aimed at harming China’s interests based on rumors and lies,” Hua added.
19:02, 25 March
Xinjiang cotton “boycotts” infringe on consumer rights: Chinese association
Some international trade bodies and foreign companies’ boycotts “of cotton produced in northwestern China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region and related products, based on baseless rumors, have severely damaged Chinese consumers’ feelings and violated consumers’ legitimate rights and interests, an association said Thursday.
“These companies, which operate in China, should strictly comply with Chinese law and shoulder the responsibility to protect the rights and interests of consumers,” the Chinese Consumer Association said in a statement.
“We oppose these companies selling products in China and reaping profits, yet harming the national pride and human dignity of Chinese consumers,” it said.
“These companies and the International Trade Organization should immediately stop their false publicity, discriminatory policies and measures that harm the legitimate rights and interests of consumers,” it said.
“The dishonest, unfair and unethical business practices should be rectified immediately,” it added, urging these companies to take their due legal and social responsibility seriously and show their respect for Chinese consumers through concrete action.
17:48, 25 March
Stainless white Xinjiang cotton streams without slander: MOC
So-called forced labor in northwest China’s autonomous region of Xinjiang Uygur is non-existent and completely imaginary, and the immaculate white Xinjiang cotton streams do not slander, a spokesman for the Ministry of Trade (MOC) said on Thursday.
“We oppose all external forces intervening in Xinjiang – related issues and China’s internal affairs. We also oppose sanctions against Chinese individuals and entities based on lies and false information and under the pretext of so – called human rights issues in Xinjiang,” the MOC said. spokesman Gao Feng at a press conference.
As for the so-called business decisions made by some foreign companies based on incorrect information, Chinese consumers have responded with concrete measures, says Gao.
It is hoped that these companies will respect the law in the market, correct their wrongdoing and avoid politicizing business issues, the spokesman said.
“The Chinese government always welcomes and supports the normal business practices of transnational corporations in China and their efforts to build industrial and supply chains,” he said.
“Meanwhile, we welcome foreign companies to come and visit Xinjiang themselves and be ready to provide support for companies from all countries to trade and invest in Xinjiang,” he added.
Source: sn.dk