The reason is naturally that Starbucks wants to gain some publicity in China, so they leaked the news of wanting to collaborate with Zhang Hao.
From registering the company, to conducting market field surveys, to building headquarters, to testing raw materials, to preparing raw material logistics, to selecting locations for directly-operated stores, to hiring and training employees... a whole series of processes, it takes at least two years for a foreign dining brand to officially do business in China. Initially, there is usually a continuous input of investment; brands with no strength dare not enter the Chinese market rashly, even if they see the market potential. They might be dragged down before they even start operations.
But Starbucks won't be dragged down. They are exceptionally strong in financing. They need time, so once decided, and the investors persuaded, they start taking action.
