China lashes out at Xinjiang ‘lie’ after US lawmaker urges Starbucks to close new stores

Beijing has hit back at a US lawmaker’s criticism of coffee chain Starbucks for opening its first stores in Xinjiang, rejecting the allegation that China has committed human rights abuses against the far-western region’s mostly Muslim Uygur population.Foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun on Saturday said claims of “genocide” in Xinjiang were a “blatant lie” and accused the “US group” who raised the suggestions of attacking Beijing for political purposes.“Today’s Xinjiang enjoys social stability, economic prosperity, ethnic unity and religious harmony,” Guo said, adding that China would provide more opportunities for foreign businesses to invest and operate in the country.