Forbidden Palace Starbucks May Close
A news anchor for China Central Television has led an online campaign to remove Starbucks, which opened in the palace in 2000 at the invitation of its managers, who are under pressure to raise money to maintain the vast complex. The anchorman, Rui Chenggang, wrote in a CCTV blog that Starbucks' presence "undermined the Forbidden City's solemnity and trampled over Chinese culture."
Starbucks defended the operation of its palace outlet.
"Starbucks appreciates the deep history and culture of the Forbidden City and has operated in a respectful manner that fits within the environment," the company said in a written statement.
"We have provided a welcome place of rest for thousands of tourists, both Chinese and foreign, for more than six years."
The Starbucks located in the Forbidden City is the world's smallest.