New U.S. Ambassador to China points to his WA state roots

The new U.S. Ambassador to China, Gary Locke, says it’s his Washington roots that made him what he is today.

Ambassador Locke left his position as U.S. Commerce Secretary when he was sworn in as Ambassador to China this month.

It’s his home , he says, even though he and his family have been in the other Washington for almost three years.

"This Washington is still our home," says Locke, who was born and raised in Washington.  He also served in the State Legislature, as a County Executive, and as Governor for Washington.

"I’m gonna take those experiences and those viewpoints and those perspectives of Washington state and indeed as Commerce Secretary to China with me as the next U.S. Ambassador to China.”

Locke says that’s partly due to the many trade missions from Washington state to China and Asia. He says China and the U.S. have differences, but both are committed to better understanding and more trust.

Locke says China welcomes the news that he’s a Chinese-American. However, at the end of the day, he represents all Americans.

Locke is not in Seattle on official business: just a quick goodbye visit to relatives before moving to China soon, in the next day or two.

He says he’s looking forward to making Washington state proud.