From Overseas Press

Gary Locke is more American than Chinese

(chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2011-03-11 17:10

President Obama has officially nominated Gary Locke to be the next ambassador to China. If confirmed by the Senate, the 61-year-old would become the first ever Chinese-American ambassador to China, a country that is increasingly seen as the most important as far as US foreign policy is concerned.

His appointment as US ambassador to China undoubtedly marks a milestone for Asian, particular Chinese, Americans, but if Beijing thinks "his ancestry makes him a natural ally,” they may well be "in for a surprise," the AFP warns in an article.

Indeed, Locke stated clearly at the White House that while he is returning to the birthplace of his grandfather, he "will be doing so as a devoted and passionate advocate for America, the country where I was born and raised."

A commentary piece in the Christian Science Monitor couldn't agree more. It points out that Gary Locke "has been brisk in his defense of American interests in its trade with China," and if Chinese officials try to play the ethnic and kinship card, they are more than likely to face "a nasty shock".

Unlike the outgoing ambassador Jon Huntsman Jr., Locke is unable to speak Mandarin, which could be a potential downside. Speaking proper Chinese has long been regarded as a great plus in any ambassadorial credentials, the commentary goes on to say.

Having said that, both articles underlined Locke's popularity with China and ordinary Chinese since his first forays into his ancestral land as the governor of Washington, which could come in handy during his posting in China.