China responds to US group's criticism of Starbucks Xinjiang expansion

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File photo of Guo Jiakun, a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry. /VCG

The Chinese Foreign Ministry on Saturday dismissed allegations from a US congressional committee over northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region as lies and smears.

The so-called "genocide" in Xinjiang is a blatant lie, said spokesperson Guo Jiakun, in response to a media inquiry about the US Select Committee on China, which called the international coffee chain giant Starbucks' decision to open stores in the region "morally bankrupt" over so-called "genocide" allegations.

"This US group is known for vilifying China out of political motives and has absolutely no credibility to speak of," said Guo.

"Today's Xinjiang enjoys social stability, economic prosperity, ethnic unity and religious harmony," he added.

As for foreign businesses, China will continue to expand high-standard opening up and provide more opportunities for them to invest and thrive in China, the spokesperson said.

Starbucks on Tuesday opened two stores in Xinjiang, marking its debut in the region and the latest expansion in China, its second-largest market after the United States.