Intel removes mention of Xinjiang after sparking anger among Chinese netizens

US semiconductor chip manufacturer Intel has deleted all mentions of the Xinjiang region from an open letter it sent to suppliers in December 2021, after the letter angered Chinese social media users and the company apologised to the Chinese public.   

According to multiple reports including The Wall Street Journal, Intel sent a letter to its global suppliers in mid-December on its website, asking them not to source from the Xinjiang province. The letter was also aimed at complying with US regulations as the US government banned imports of goods from Xinjiang over complaints of human rights violations. It said, "Our investors and customers have inquired whether Intel purchases goods or services from the Xinjiang region of China. Multiple governments have imposed restrictions on products sourced from the Xinjiang region. Therefore, Intel is required to ensure our supply chain does not use any labour or source goods or services from the Xinjiang region.”

After the release of the letter, Chinese social media users expressed their unhappiness resulting in the brand issuing an apology on 23 December on Weibo, saying that although it hoped to comply with regulations from the US government. The company "deeply regretted" that the incident had sparked concern among partners in China. Intel also reiterated that the letter was only to share its intention to comply with the laws and regulations instead of its stance on the Xinjiang issue. 

Intel's letter was published after the US Senate passed a bill barring imports from Xinjiang due to China’s human rights issues there, including the use of forced labour and mass detentions. Additionally, some human rights activists have askes US companies to boycott the upcoming 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing. A number of international brands are sponsors, including Intel, Coca-Cola, Samsung and Toyota. 

Human rights issues in Xinjiang has been a concern among governments of Western countries, with many brands feeling the trickling impact. For example, the Xinjiang cotton row heated up earlier this year as Chinese shoppers were boycotting companies that were refusing to use cotton grown in Xinjiang province. Brands including H&M, Nike and adidas also copped flak as they were among the few brands that pledged not to use cotton from the Xinjiang province, citing accusations of human rights violations of the Uyghurs in the region.

Meanwhile, the US congressional commission called on NBA players in June 2021 to end endorsements of Chinese sportswear firms using cotton grown in Xinjiang such as ANTA Sports, Li-Ning and Peak Sport. The commission believed that commercial relationships with these companies create "reputational risks" for NBA and the players, particularly after the US government had determined China was committing genocide and crimes against humanity in Xinjiang and barred cotton imports from the region.

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