China’s Foreign Ministry responds to Uniqlo’s cotton sourcing statement

November 29, 2024 – (Beijing) Cotton from China’s Xinjiang region is known for its quality and is considered one of the best in the world, according to Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Mao Ning. Her comments came in response to recent statements by Tadashi Yanai, chief executive of Fast Retailing, the parent company of global fashion chain Uniqlo, who confirmed that the company does not use Xinjiang cotton.

During an interview with the BBC in Tokyo, Yanai discussed Uniqlo’s efforts to increase transparency about the origins of its materials. He declared: “We don’t use (Xinjiang cotton),” but paused, suggesting that further elaboration could lead to political complications. “Actually, if I say any more, it will be too political, so let’s stop there,” he concluded.

In a separate interview with Nikkei Asia, Yanai emphasized the importance of manufacturing in China for Fast Retailing, highlighting the company’s growth alongside China’s textile industry. As of October, Uniqlo operates 927 stores in mainland China.

In 2022, Yanai notably refrained from confirming whether Uniqlo sources cotton from Xinjiang, instead aiming to maintain a neutral stance amid rising geopolitical tensions between China and the United States. He noted that the US approach appeared to put pressure on companies to declare their loyalty, claiming: “Uniqlo will not play this game,” Xinhua news agency reported.