Intel Corp. apologized after its opposition to Xinjiang labor sparked a backlash against the U.S. chipmaker in China, highlighting how multinational companies are increasingly getting caught up in a geopolitcal spat between two global powers over issues such as human rights.

The chipmaker sent a letter asking suppliers not to use any labor or products sourced from Xinjiang "in order to ensure compliance with U.S. legal requirements,” it said in a WeChat statement Thursday. The company had no other intention and did not mean to express a position on the matter, according to the statement.

"We thank everyone for raising their questions and concerns and respect the sensitivity of the issue in China,” Intel said. "As a multinational company, we operate in a constantly evolving and complex global environment and should adopt a prudent attitude. For causing trouble to our esteemed Chinese customers, partners and the general public, we express our sincere apologies.”