In a recent BBC interview, Tadashi Yanai, the CEO of Uniqlo, sparked significant discussion by revealing that the company no longer sources cotton from Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in the northwest of the Chinese mainland. As one of the world's largest cotton producers, Xinjiang has been a key supplier for numerous global brands, thanks to its superior quality, long fibers, and high yield.
Yanai's remarks highlight what many see as Western political manipulation and media influence over Xinjiang. This stance reflects a broader double standard adopted by some multinational corporations, which are engaging in international political maneuvers to advance their own interests.
The cotton industry has long been a symbol of both economic development and historical exploitation. For instance, the modern American cotton industry was built on the harsh and inhumane labor of thousands of black slaves.
Today, the legacy of cotton's dark history continues to make it a sensitive commodity, particularly in the Western public's eye. Consequently, the United States has imposed sanctions on multiple Xinjiang industries, including cotton, driven by ideological and geopolitical motives. By citing alleged \"forced labor\" in Xinjiang, the U.S. has pressured multinational enterprises to take sides, disrupting the stability of the global supply chain.
Under this Western political coercion, some multinational corporations are reevaluating their business ties with Xinjiang and aligning with Western political agendas by cutting connections with Xinjiang's cotton industry. Since 2020, brands like Adidas, New Balance, and Nike have publicly announced their refusal to use cotton from Xinjiang, demonstrating how these companies are becoming pawns in broader Western political battles.
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Multinationals should not be pawns of Western political dominance
cgtn.com
