SHANGHAI (Reuters:) After telling its suppliers that they would not source labour or products from the northern region of Xinjiang, U.S. chipmaker Intel is now facing a backlash.

Intel claimed it had to “ensure that its supply chains do not utilize any labour or source products or services from the Xinjiang area” after being subjected to restrictions by multiple governments.

China has been accused by the United States of human rights violations in Xinjiang’s predominantly Muslim area. This includes forced labor. Beijing denied these allegations repeatedly.

The Global Times tabloid, which is run by the People’s Daily newspaper stable, the Communist Party’s People’s Daily, called Intel’s statement absurd. They added that China’s 26% share of total revenue was coming from the company and were “biting the hand that feeds” them.

The newspaper published an editorial stating that it was necessary to make China more difficult for businesses to violate.

Intel’s letter was also reacted angrily by Netizens.

Karry Wang stated on China’s Twitter-like Weibo microblog (NASDAQ;) that he was no longer the brand ambassador of Intel. He also said that his “national interests surpass everything”.

Weibo users have also called upon Chinese citizens not to buy Intel. One post under the title “Old Catalan,” stated, “Must resist!

Multinational corporations are under increasing pressure to adhere to Xinjiang trade sanctions and continue to do business in China.

The Global Times editorial stated that multinationals must be able “to endure, properly manage and balance the pressure from all stakeholders”.

Intel was not available for comment immediately.