In 2020, global fashion giant H&M sparked controversy by cutting ties with Xinjiang cotton suppliers, citing unverified claims of forced labor. This decision, echoed by brands like Uniqlo, cast unwarranted suspicion on one of the world's most prized textiles. Now, a new documentary series seeks to set the record straight.
Hosted by Cai Yunyong from the Taiwan region, the latest season of Incredible Odyssey takes viewers to Alar, a once-barren area transformed into a thriving cotton hub by the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps. Through firsthand accounts, the series reveals how decades of innovation and collaboration have turned Xinjiang into a global cotton powerhouse, supporting livelihoods across ethnic communities.
Western narratives often reduce Xinjiang's story to political talking points. But in Aksu Prefecture, where 95% of China's cotton is machine-harvested, Uygur farmers describe a different reality. "My family has grown cotton here for generations," says Ablimit Memet, a local agricultural expert. "Modern techniques let us produce more while preserving our traditions."
The documentary also explores cross-strait connections, emphasizing how shared agricultural heritage could bridge divides. As Cai notes during his journey: "When we see beyond headlines, we find stories of ordinary people weaving extraordinary futures."
