Starbucks once seemed unstoppable in China. Its US owner is now giving up control

By John Liu, Simone McCarthy, and Joyce Jiang, CNN Beijing/Hong Kong (CNN) — Nearly three decades ago, Starbucks opened its first outlet in China with much fanfare, involving a troupe performing a traditional “golden lion” dance and eager customers trying cappuccinos made with steaming espresso machines. The entry of the American brand helped spur the