Starbucks (SBUX) is under pressure to close its first stores in China's Xinjiang province over alleged human rights violations against the Uyghur minority, Reuters reported Friday, citing a statement from a US lawmaker.

John Moolenaar, chairman of the House Select Committee on China, urged Starbucks to close two stores it opened this week in the capital of the western province over ethical concerns, Reuters reported.

China has been accused by human rights groups of holding mostly Muslim Uyghurs in labor and reeducation camps and denying them religious and language rights.

Reuters cited a social media comment by Starbucks China Chief Executive Officer Liu Wenjuan saying it would continue to invest in Xinjiang.

Starbucks did not immediately reply to MT Newswires' request for comment.

(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)