Intel apologises to China over supplier advice

US microchip maker Intel has apologised following a backlash over its letter urging suppliers not to source products or labour from China's Xinjiang region.

The company's letter sparked criticism in China, with calls for a boycott.

The letter said Intel had been "required to ensure" its supply chain did not use labour or source goods from Xinjiang, following restrictions imposed by "multiple governments".

China has been accused of human rights abuses in Xinjiang.

The region is home to many of country's Muslim Uyghur population and there have been allegations of forced labour and possibly genocide.