Intel Apologizes to China After 'Kidney Product Boycott'

Intel (Photo by Bloomberg)

[Asia Economy Reporter Geum Bo-ryeong] As the American semiconductor company Intel decided to boycott products from the Xinjiang Autonomous Region, public opinion in China is boiling over the need for retaliatory measures. In response, Intel issued an apology statement and hurriedly moved to defuse the situation.

On the 23rd, Intel released a statement in Chinese on its official WeChat, saying, "We apologize for causing concern to our respected Chinese customers, partners, and the public."

In the '2021 Annual Letter' sent to suppliers posted on its homepage, Intel stated, "Investors and customers have inquired whether Intel is purchasing goods and services from the Xinjiang region of China," adding, "As several governments regulate products from Xinjiang, Intel requires our supply chain partners to ensure that no labor or goods related to Xinjiang are used."

Global Times, a sister publication of the Chinese Communist Party's official newspaper People's Daily, pointed out that despite Intel earning significant profits in China, it has shown an 'ungrateful' behavior by boycotting Xinjiang products. Global Times stated, "Intel's boycott of Xinjiang products is an attempt to prove its innocence amid extreme political pressure in the United States," and criticized, "The U.S. authorities are forcing major American companies to take their side to suppress China."

Wang Junkai, a member of the group TFBOYS and Intel's advertising model in China, had his agency announce the day before in a statement, "Wang Junkai and the agency will suspend cooperation with Intel starting today to safeguard national interests."

Zhao Lijian, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said at a regular briefing that day, "We have carefully reviewed the relevant statement (by Intel)," and added, "We hope the related companies respect the facts and clarify the truth."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.