Intel Apologises To China Within Hours Of Announcing A Ban On Sourcing Components From Xinjiang

After facing the wrath of Chinese state media and a section of social media platforms, US semiconductor giant Intel today apologised to Chinese consumers, partners and the public for announcing a ban on sourcing components from Xinjiang province.

In a statement issued in Chinese, Intel said that "we deeply apologise for the trouble caused to our respected Chinese customers, partners and the public."

The company said that the ban was only to comply with US laws and not its 'own intention or position.'

The company recently wrote a letter to its suppliers asking them not to source goods or services or use labour from Xinjiang.

The letter sparked widespread anger among the Chinese public and its Chinese partners with calls for a boycott of the company's products.

Intel said that letter resulted in many questions and concerns among our cherished Chinese partners, and “we deeply regret it."

“We apologise for the trouble caused to our respected Chinese customers, partners and the public. Intel is committed to becoming a trusted technology partner and accelerating joint development with China," Intel said.

The Global Times, a publication run by the ruling Communist party, termed Intel’s statement absurd,' adding that the company – which earned 26 per cent of its total revenues from China in 2020 – was 'biting the hand that feeds it.'

"What we need to do is to make it increasingly expensive for companies to offend China so their losses outweigh their gains,” the newspaper said in an editorial.

Human rights organisations have accused the Chinese government of systematic oppression in Xinjiang province.