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Ambassador Gary Locke Enjoys Popularity; Pledges Bilateral Cooperation
November 15, 2011
By: Mark Hsen | Printer Friendly

Since his arrival in China, new United States (US) Ambassador Gary Locke has enjoyed widespread popularity.  Confirmed in July by the US Senate, Locke officially assumed his ambassadorial duties on August 1, 2011.

Born to humble beginnings in a third generation Chinese-American family, Locke has become an unprecedented political figure.  He was the only Chinese-American state governor, serving two terms as governor of Washington state, as well as the first Chinese-American commerce secretary, serving in the Obama administration from 2009 to 2011.  Now, Locke is the first Chinese-American ambassador to China. 

Locke has capitalized on his heritage, embracing his Chinese-American identity to encourage US-Chinese relations.  He previously worked on strengthening US-Chinese ties through trade missions in his positions as governor and US Secretary of Commerce.

Locke is a well-liked figure both domestically and internationally.  He was easily confirmed as ambassador, and according to the BBC, has become well-liked within political and business communities.  In China, Locke enjoys widespread popular support, even if this appeal has made party officials wary.

To the Chinese, Locke is the epitome of the American dream, one of their own who has achieved success.  His success coupled with his modest behavior has created significant popular appeal.  The Chinese are not used to modest behavior from their political leaders.  Locke has been noted for simple actions such as buying his own coffee, carrying his own luggage, flying economy class, and travelling without an entourage.  When a photo of Locke in Seattle-Tacoma International Airport carrying his own bag was uploaded onto a Chinese social-media website, the photo went viral.

Worried that Locke makes Chinese leaders look out of touch, propaganda authorities have imposed restrictions on media coverage on Locke.  Some news organizations such as Guangming Daily, a communist party newspaper, have even suggested that his ordinary, modest behavior is an American plot to stir citizen resentment. 

However, regardless of these positions, ordinary Chinese people are still drawn to Locke.  Wherever he travels, hundreds of people gather to see him and take pictures.  Since his arrival in China, Locke has pledged to promote bilateral cooperation and understanding. 

Sources:
The New York Times – Chinese, but Not Their Leaders, Flock to U.S. Envoy

The China Times – New U.S. Ambassador Pledged to Promote Cooperation between U.S. and China

BBC News – Profile: Gary Locke

BBC News – Obama names Gary Locke new US ambassador to China