BEIJING — Starbucks has closed a coffeehouse in China's former imperial palace, the company said, ending a presence that prompted protests by Chinese critics who said it damaged a major historical site.

The controversy over Starbucks at the 587-year-old Forbidden City in Beijing has highlighted Chinese sensitivity about cultural symbols and unease over an influx of foreign popular culture.

Starbucks closed the outlet, which covered about 19 square meters, or 200 square feet, on Friday after managers of the Forbidden City decided that they wanted all shops on its grounds to operate under the palace's brand name, said Eden Woon, the Starbucks vice president for Greater China.

"It was a very congenial decision. We respect what they are doing," Woon said.

The Starbucks store opened in 2000 at the invitation of palace managers, who needed to raise money to maintain the 72-hectare, or 178-acre, complex of villas and gardens. But critics said the move was inappropriate. An anchor for Chinese state television led an online protest, saying the coffeehouse diminished Chinese culture.