Last month, the Senate confirmed Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke as the new appointee for the position of U.S. Ambassador to China.

The position was vacated by Jon Huntsman, former Governor of Utah, U.S. Ambassador to China, and contender for the Republican GOP (Checkpoint Washington, Washington Post, July 27th).

Locke brings to his appointment exceptional qualifications. He holds a bachelors degree in political science from Yale University, and a law degree from Boston University.

In Washington State, Gary Locke has long been an icon of the potential for developing hugely profitable trade relations. From State House Representative (1982-1993) to King County Executive (1993-1996), then two-term governorship (1996-2004), Locke has long proven to be a no-nonsense fiscally conservative, yet politically progressive politician.

Locke's incisive understanding of China business practices and international relations helped break down trade barriers, strengthen international economic ties with Asia, Europe, and Mexico, and helped "double the state's exports to China to over $5 billion per year" (qtd from U.S. Department of Commerce).

While serving as the Secretary at the Department of Commerce Secretary under President Barack Obama, he has "overseen the installation or upgrade of approximately 5,000 miles of fiber lines as part of the high-speed Internet deployment program" as well as streamlined the patent pendency period at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (qtd from U.S. Department of Commerce).

As Commerce Secretary, Locke has presided over a 17 percent increase in exports, compared to 2009.  He also led the administration’s first Cabinet-level trade mission – a clean energy mission to China and Indonesia in May 2010, while the Commerce Department led an unprecedented 35 trade missions overall.  Locke has co-chaired two sessions of the U.S.-China Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade that resulted in important changes to Chinese trade policy, helping to level the playing field for U.S. businesses exporting to and operating in China. (qtd in U.S. Department of Commerce).

With China (PRC) as the largest U.S. trade partner, and according to He Qinglian (author of China's Pitfalls), the world's third highest GDP, there will be a tender balance between cultivating trade relations and understanding "the maze of the middle class" (qtd in Epoch Times, July 28th-August 3rd).

The importance of Locke's appointment parallels the trajectory of the Republican GOP hopeful, Jon Huntsman, also an old Asia hand (having served as Mormon missionary, Assistant Secretary of Commerce, U.S. Ambassador to Singapore (1992-1993), and Deputy U.S. Trade Representative under George W. Bush--qtd in Wikipedia).

Furthermore, Locke's appointment comes at a delicate time--with President Jiang Zemin's passing, the transition period may involve factional realignments and partisanship. Ultimately, much of the world stability and trade rests upon the greater transparency and accountability (both fiscally and moral) which such a rising star as the PRC presents.

In an increasingly globally interconnected world, U.S. Ambassador to China Locke is already helping to galvanize support by Asian American leaders. Locally, the Asian & Pacific Islander American Vote (APIA Vote) organized a send-off reception for him and his wife on July 11th at the Jones Day office in the capital.

In his remarks, Locke repeated his mantra for Asian Americans to aspire for elective or appointive office: “It matters who is seated at the table, making policy.” He also stressed, “Whether Democrats or Republicans, you really have to focus on what’s best for America.” (qtd by Asian Fortune, August 2011)

How will this trailblazer perform where he has already been so many firsts, as U.S. Representative Judy Chu describes? As APIA Vote Executive Director Vida Benavides expressed, with "vision and dedication" (qtd by Asian Fortune).

Locke extended an invitation “to come and visit us (in China),” and joked to give them ample notice so they can send a shopping list of American goodies. Both Locke and his wife Mona, a former journalist, thanked the community. Mona urged all to continue “to make a difference.” (qtd by Asian Fortune, Aug. 2011).

    (Photograph by Asian Fortune http://www.asianfortunenews.com/site/article_0811.php?article_id=13, Prepared by Christine Wong)