Letters | Xinjiang cotton ban: why it’s good to be talking about slavery

Despite the unfortunate politicisation of the issue, the logic of challenging modern-day slavery through shining a light on global supply chains is sound

Xinjiang cotton

Letters

Published: 1:30am, 1 Apr 2021

Why you can trust SCMP

I am writing in response to your report, “As Xinjiang cotton row rages, European firms ‘caught between rock and hard place’” (March 25). From my perspective, boycotting Xinjiang cotton is a more complicated story than just a political game between China and the West. It is also characteristic of the new-found emphasis on operating sustainable supply chains.

Human rights issues now animate many global consumers, especially millennials, and they pay close attention to labour exploitation and target their spending power on companies with strong sustainability frameworks. Global brands are sensitive to consumer pressure, but they are also fully aware that ethical issues in their supply chains may not only cause reputational damage but could also expose them to legal risk and the possibility of lawsuits.

H&M, Nike and other global brands which terminated the use of Xinjiang cotton made a strategic choice of prioritising social responsibility.

Moreover, this is hardly a China-only story. Modern slavery is present in supply chains across the world, from Africa to the West. Hard decisions need to be taken.

How to fight modern slavery: question company supply chains

The controversy over Xinjiang cotton is raising consumer awareness of the source of what they buy and the possible use of forced labour. If more global brands take a stand against labour exploitation, more consumers will stop buying the products of exploited labour. Eventually, demand for forced labour diminishes and companies may no longer employ “slaves”.

Despite the unfortunate politicisation of this issue in recent days, the logic of challenging modern slavery through shining a light on global supply chains is sound.

Miki Leung, Tuen Mun

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