Undated file photo of a Starbucks coffee shop inside Beijing's Forbidden City.
July 14 - Starbucks has closed a coffeehouse in China's former imperial palace, according to related sources, ending a presence that sparked protests by Chinese people who said it damaged a key historical site.
The controversy over Starbucks at Beijing's 587-year-old Forbidden City has highlighted Chinese sensitivity about cultural symbols and unease over an influx of foreign pop culture, agencies report.
Starbucks closed the 200-square-foot outlet Friday after Forbidden City managers decided they wanted all shops on its grounds to operate under the palace's brand name, said Eden Woon, Starbucks' vice president for Greater China.
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