In a recent BBC interview, Tadashi Yanai, the CEO of Uniqlo, sparked widespread discussion by stating that the company does not source cotton from northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. As one of the largest cotton producers globally, Xinjiang has become a leading supplier for many international brands due to its superior quality, long fibers, and high yield.
Yanai’s statement highlights the political manipulation by Western powers and media regarding Xinjiang, reflecting the double standards adopted by certain multinational corporations as they navigate international political landscapes to maximize their own interests.
The cotton industry, symbolic of the textile sector, played a crucial role in the development of European capitalism but also stands as a testament to the brutal expansion and exploitation during imperialism. The modern American cotton industry, in particular, was built upon the violent and inhumane exploitation of thousands of enslaved African people.
These deep historical scars have made cotton and its products highly sensitive commodities, often stirring strong reactions among Western publics. Consequently, the United States has imposed sanctions on multiple industries in Xinjiang, including cotton, driven by ideological and geopolitical interests. By alleging “forced labor” in Xinjiang, it has pressured multinational enterprises to take sides, severely disrupting the stability of the global industrial chain.
Under Western political coercion, some multinational corporations have begun to reassess their business relationships with Xinjiang, even choosing to align with Western political agendas by cutting ties with Xinjiang’s cotton industry.
Since as early as 2020, foreign brands such as Adidas, New Balance, and Nike have publicly announced they will no longer use cotton from Xinjiang. This shift suggests that these multinational companies may have compromised their business ethics, potentially serving as instruments in Western political strategies.
Reference(s):
Multinationals should not be pawns of Western political dominance
cgtn.com
