Chinese-American named US Ambassador to Beijing

March 10th, 2011 - 12:10 pm ICT by ANI  

Barack Obama Washington, Mar 10(ANI): US President Barack Obama has named Gary Locke to be the first Chinese-American ambassador to Beijing.

Locke is the current US Secretary of Commerce.

“When he’s in Beijing, I know that American companies will be able to count on him to represent their interests in front of China’s top leaders,” the China Daily quoted Obama, as saying.

The 61-year-old’s appointment will require approval by the US Senate.

If confirmed, he would replace Ambassador Jon Huntsman, who leaves China in April.

During the White House announcement, Locke said that he would utilize his strong relationships with China’s government officials and business community.

“As Commerce Secretary, I’ve helped open up foreign markets for American businesses so they can create more jobs right here in America,” Locke said during the White House announcement.

“I’m eager to continue that work in China and to help you, Mr. President, manage one of America’s most critical and complex diplomatic, economic, and strategic relationships,” he added.

Locke was the 21st Governor of Washington, serving from 1997 to 2005.

He was the first governor of a state in the US mainland of Asian descent, and remains the only Chinese American in history to serve as a governor. (ANI)

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