
[Reuters]
A coffee shop has opened at the heart of the Forbidden City, the former Chinese imperial palace, replacing a controversial Starbucks cafe that was forced out by public protest.
The Starbucks outlet opened in 2000 prompting a media backlash so severe that museum authorities considered revoking its lease after a couple of months. In recent years it had operated without the usual outdoor corporate Starbucks bunting.
A campaign for its closure began building early this year, when a television anchor complained that the U.S. chain’s presence at the symbolic heart of the Chinese nation was trampling on Chinese culture. It finally closed in July.
Read about it here.
[From me]
I am calling for a boycott of China!
Say what you want about Starbucks, but I have built relationships with people that have affected their lives for eternity. This morning I had an encounter that might change my own life. We will see but it is amazing how God orchestrated a meeting this morning at Starbucks while I was reading a Bill Hybels book. I will share more as I see what comes of it.