How Did Starbucks Enter The Forbidden City?

Starbucks The Scapegoat
Whereas CCTV host urges Starbucks to get out of the Forbidden City, Luqiu Luwei, Phoenix TV reporter, asks in her blog: how did Starbucks enter the Forbidden City? (in translation):-

It seems to be a big story now. Of course, it is good to see people care about the protection of the Forbidden City. But the question is, when we are [demanding] Starbucks to get out of the Forbidden City, why don't we just reflect how did Starbucks get into the Forbidden City?

...

I think it is a question of management of the Forbidden City. If we want accountability, should we not expect the management to consider not only rental income, but also questions like how to ensure harmonious environment?

There is no Starbucks in Louvre in France or Buckingham Palace in Britain - because there is no such thing as "for rent". If we now blame solely Starbucks for its presence in the Forbidden City, it seems to me rather unfair. After all, Starbucks did not take the land by force. They comply with the regulations. They pay rent. They signed contract.

... As a media worker, I want you to think again the question of responsibility. Starbucks may well leave under pressure - but without a detailed regulation, we may have another inharmonious object in the Forbidden City.

What I hope is this: We should not see the whole thing merely as a matter of nationalism. We should make the authorities managing these cultural heritage sites to think thoroughly ...

Link:
Luqiu Luwei: How did Starbucks enter the Forbidden City? (Chinese)

Earlier:
Coffee or tea?
Forbidden City / Palace Museum

Comments

[Charlie Costello]

I was amazed to see the Starbucks coffee in the heart of the forbidden city in May 2005 and quite honestly couldn't believe it. I took photos just to prove it and wondered what the Mongol (yuan) and Ming dynasty folks would think about it...I have a couple of photos I will post on my BLOG as well.

[lfc]

Alas, the Mongol emperors did not live long enough to see the building of the Forbidden City.

[Vin Beijing China]

It doesn't matter who is running the outlet just so long as the quality is good and decor considerate.