China has imposed sanctions on a dozen North American politicians in response to their allegations of genocide against ethnic minorities in Xinjiang - adding to a growing furor over ethical cotton sourcing from factories in the region.

The tit for tat diplomatic feud has also boiled over into the fast fashion industry, with Chinese social media users criticizing Swedish brand H&M's decision to stop sourcing cotton from Xinjiang over concerns of forced labor.

Allegations of forced labor in Uyghur prison camps across the region have dogged the Chinese government since early last year, but the matter reached new heights this week when authorities warned fashion companies that speaking out on the topic will result in massive financial losses.

"Can H&M continue to make money in the Chinese market? Not anymore," government representative Xu Guixiang said Monday.

British luxury brand Burberry and athletic clothing retailers Nike and Adidas have all been targeted in a wave of Chinese consumer boycotts after earlier statements emerged revealing they do not use cotton from Xinjiang.

The region's cotton fields account for one-fifth of the world's total cotton supply, according to Chinese state media group Xinhua News Agency, and many officials see the forced labor issue as a cover for politically-motivated attacks.

"Their real purpose by fabricating the issue of genocide is to disrupt security and stability in China," government representative Elijan Anayat said Monday.

Meanwhile, this past weekend Gayle Manchin, chairperson of a U.S. government religious freedoms commission, and the organization's vice chairperson Tony Perkins, were targeted with sanctions along with Canadian official Michael Chong and eight members of Canada's foreign affairs subcommittee on human rights.

The individuals in question won't be allowed in China, Macao or Hong Kong while China citizens are banned from interacting with them.

"The Chinese government is firmly determined to safeguard its national sovereignty, security and development interests, and urges the relevant parties to clearly understand the situation and redress their mistakes," a representative for the country's foreign ministry said.

Human rights violations were discussed at last week's China-U.S. talks in Anchorage, Alaska, and American diplomats were left unsatisfied by their counterparts' reassurances.

"We have grave concerns about China's crimes against humanity and genocide (of Uyghurs)," the White House said afterward.