HK celebrities and politicians back Xinjiang cotton

A number of celebrities and politicians in Hong Kong have announced they are cutting ties with major international labels that have voiced concerns about reports of forced labour in Xinjiang.

New People’s Party legislator Regina Ip posted a picture on her Twitter account that shows her looking at three Burberry scarfs.

“I will stop buying or using Burberry products until Burberry has retracted or apologised for its unfounded allegations against Xinjiang,” she wrote, adding that the luxury UK label was one of her favourite brands.

Another pro-Beijing lawmaker, Luk Chung-hung from the Federation of Trade Unions, posted a picture of his two Li Ning and Anta sneakers, saying products from China are also of quality.

Canto-pop star Eason Chan announced he’s cutting ties with Adidas, saying on his Weibo account that he and his company will boycott businesses that smear China.

Nike and Adidas are facing a backlash across the border for raising concerns about alleged abuses in Xinjiang.

But Chan’s stance has also led to a backlash from his fans in Hong Kong, with some quoting lyrics of his song accusing him of “selling the soul, and the heart won’t beat even if it’s pumped.”

Other celebrities such as Joey Yung, Pakho Chau and Angelababy also took to Weibo saying they “support Xinjiang cotton”.