The automaker has long been criticized by human rights activists for doing business in the territory, where China has repressed Muslim ethnic groups.

Volkswagen has faced major criticism from activists and investors over its interest in the Xinjiang factory which it first opened in 2013

Earlier this year, the U.S. blocked imports of several Porsche, Bentley, and Audi vehicles amid concerns that they contained a Chinese-made part that violated U.S. forced labor laws.