'Xinjiang cotton' issue dominates the runways of China Fashion Week

Designer Zhou Li holds a cotton bouquet after her Autumn/Winter 2021 collection show at China Fashion Week in Beijing. Photo: Reuters

Designer Zhou Li took to the stage amid applause following her runway show at China Fashion Week with a prop that has political overtones: a bouquet of cotton plants.

"As far as I'm concerned, I think Xinjiang cotton is my sweetheart, my love, which is to say I'm very grateful it has brought me such happiness," Zhou, 56, said after her show on Tuesday (March 30) in Beijing.