VIP Class Notes (JJ)

One statement released by H&M regarding the boycott of Xinjiang cotton is due to its “deep concern” over allegations of forced labor in Xinjiang’s cotton industry that went viral on social media. Subsequently, more and more well-known brands, such as Nike, Adidas, Hugo Boss, were found to have also issued similar statements to boycott Xinjiang cotton.

I read several articles and watched videos in this regard in both western media and Chinese media.

On the one hand, it is obvious that the above-mentioned accusation is likely inconsistent with the facts. When mechanization of picking cotton is possible and commercially profitable, why does the government choose to force people to work? Even in a video made by BBC titled “New evidence of Uighur forced labour in China’s cotton industry”, you can only see the cotton field and some people working there, no more substantial evidence where they can really demonstrate the so-called forced labor.

One the other hand, it is sad that Xinjiang or Uighurs have been used as an excuse/scapegoat/stepping stone to attack China or the Chinese government. This time, these famous brands are targeting the Xinjiang cotton directly, which may also affect the business of local people there. But I was wondering, do they really care about the people there or the forced labor as they accused? Maybe not.

Vocabulary

if the government decides to lock down —> if the government mandates a lockdown.