Uniqlo faces boycott calls in China after CEO's Xinjiang cotton comments

Uniqlo is facing a boycott in China after CEO Tadashi Yanai stated the company does not source cotton from Xinjiang. His comments, made during a BBC interview, sparked backlash on Chinese social media, with users expressing anger and pledging to stop buying Uniqlo products. Yanai's remarks come amid ongoing allegations of forced labor in Xinjiang, where cotton production is significant. Other global brands like H&M and Nike have also faced similar consumer backlash in China for distancing themselves from Xinjiang cotton due to these allegations. China is a key market for Uniqlo, contributing over 20% of its revenue. Yanai mentioned plans to expand the brand's presence in China, despite the current controversy surrounding Xinjiang cotton sourcing.