I am a frequent Starbucks goer, my favorite Caffe Mocha Vente (Large), RMB 36.00, ~ US$ 6
I and my friends mock at that CCTV coverage on Starbucks pricing, come on there's nothing wrong. It's a fully competitive market, no/low market entry barrier, non-strategic industry, give them a break. I would say Starbucks China management (headed by some HK/Taiwan professional managers) is probably the one of the best marketing teams ever, they accurately position their product/service, accurately identify their target market segment (the "neo generation", white collars), fully understand customer expectations (e.g. longer average on-premise duration/time, higher on-premise sales volume, preference of in-store atmosphere, etc), accurate communications strategy (through working with top ad/PR agencies), and execute accurate pricing strategy (including my $6 Caffe Mocha Vente; Note, "affordability" is one of the 3A check-list for marketing professionals) to optimize their financial objectives. Simply said, it's marketing.
Their accurate marketing was rewarded by overwhelming success over the older models of cafe, and now the competition is quick to respond as old brands re-position themselves (or leave the market), and late comers like SPR (TW), Pacific (HK), Maan's (SK), Cafe Bene (SK), Costa (UK), etc., join the market. Other than chain-stores, there even more stand-alone cafes that join the market by providing differentiating and unique experience.
It's just business, and yes, this is China nowadays.