Forbidden Starbucks
The Starbucks empire is often lampooned for its many, many stores, but the coffee giant has lost one of its most prominent locations. Responding to the demands of more than half a million citizens, the Chinese government closed down the Starbucks in the Forbidden City, the ancient imperial palace complex in the heart of Beijing.
The Starbucks empire is often lampooned for its many, many stores, but the coffee giant has lost one of its most prominent locations. Responding to the demands of more than half a million citizens, the Chinese government closed down the Starbucks in the Forbidden City, the ancient imperial palace complex in the heart of Beijing.
While a coffee stand might not seem out of place in the Louvre, there was something truly bizarre (and approaching self-parody) about the sight of that familiar Starbucks decor in the middle of carefully preserved ancient Chinese atmosphere.
Coffee fans, fear not. Starbucks still has plans to colonize every other street corner in the world. Just kidding … kind of.
Your support is crucial…BBC:
The Starbucks outlet was forced to close in July, having long been accused of tarnishing the historical site.
The shop, which opened in 2000, sought to quell the protests two years ago by removing its distinctive signage.
But the move failed to satisfy its critics. An online campaign earlier this year led by a state television personality drew more than 500,000 signatures.
With an uncertain future and a new administration casting doubt on press freedoms, the danger is clear: The truth is at risk.
Now is the time to give. Your tax-deductible support allows us to dig deeper, delivering fearless investigative reporting and analysis that exposes what’s really happening — without compromise.
Stand with our courageous journalists. Donate today to protect a free press, uphold democracy and unearth untold stories.
Opinion
“China has not wasted a single penny on war,” Carter told Trump in 2019, “and that’s why they’re ahead of us, in almost every way."
Politics
Experts outline immediate challenges that will require urgency, realism and restraint.
Asia Pacific
Can he manage U.S.-China relations without precipitating World War III?
Editorial Cartoons
Editorial Cartoons
Opinion
How America’s strongman will hasten the decline of U.S. global power.
You need to be a supporter to comment.
There are currently no responses to this article.
Be the first to respond.