BEIJING, March 25 (Xinhua) – A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman said 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.
Source: sn.dk