Intel deletes mention of Xinjiang in letter after China backlash

US chipmaker was criticised in China for asking suppliers to avoid the sanctions-hit region, and now faces cowardice' accusation at home

US chipmaker Intel has deleted references to Xinjiang from an annual letter to suppliers after the company faced a backlash in China for asking suppliers to avoid the sanctions-hit region.

Last month, Intel was slammed on Chinese social media for a letter to suppliers published on its website. The 23 December letter said Intel had been required to ensure that its supply chain does not use any labour or source goods or services from the Xinjiang region" following restrictions imposed by multiple governments".