An attempt to boycott Chinese cotton for Western clothing manufacturers has turned into a boycott of the brands themselves by the Chinese. H&M has already capitulated
As News Front has previously reported, the United States, the European Union, Canada and the United Kingdom have imposed sanctions on China under the pretext of pressuring the Muslim minority in Xinjiang. This campaign was supported by major Western brands, namely H&M, Nike and Adidas. Since it is in Xinjiang that cotton is grown, the companies announced a showy boycott of Chinese raw materials, accusing the PRC of using slave labour.
The Chinese would not tolerate such an attitude. As a result, even the US State Department monitored the situation. Jalina Porter of the department claimed that Chinese internet users had launched an information campaign to discredit Western clothing manufacturers.
Hennes & Mauritz has been hit the hardest, with shops being closed as owners of premises canceled contracts with the company.
As a result, H&M capitulated. On Wednesday, March 31, the company said it was committed to China and seeking to regain the trust of its citizens.
“We aim to regain the trust of our customers, colleagues and business partners in China”, – the Swedish clothing retailer said in a statement. – “Working together with stakeholders and partners, we believe we can take steps in our joint efforts to develop the fashion industry and serve our customers and act respectfully.”