Nike and H&M face China backlash in Uighur forced labour row

Nike and H&M’s comments on the issue have prompted the removal of some products from Chinese ecommerce platforms and criticism in state media, the BBC reported.

The two retailers’ comments on Xinjiang cotton production are thought to have been made last year but, following the announcement this week of sanctions by Western countries on China, have resurfaced.

H&M said last year that it would not source cotton from Xinjiang. It also terminated a relationship with a Chinese producer over accusations of forced labour in the region.

However the Communist Youth League of China recently attacked H&M on social media, which has been followed by similar comments from official media in the country.

State broadcaster CCTV, for instance, maintained that H&M had “miscalculated” through its efforts to be a “righteous hero” and that it “must pay a heavy price for its wrong actions”.

Three big Chinese ecommerce platforms – Pinduoduo, JD.com and Tmall – are all reported to have withdrawn H&M products.

Meanwhile, a backlash against Nike was trending on Chinese social media site Weibo, The Guardian reported. Chinese actor Wang Yibo also terminated his contract with Nike.

Last night, H&M China said it “does not represent any political position” and is committed to investing in China over the long term.