Allegations of Uighurs being used for forced labour in the cotton industry in Xinjiang have been rife over the past year, with many retailers pulling out of sourcing from the region.

However, political intervention by the West last week, which included imposing travel bans and asset freezes on senior Chinese officials, has stimulated a backlash in China. This has included a boycott of Western brands, such as H&M and Nike, over statements the pair made last year condemning Uighur labour camps.