U.S.
Ambassador to China Gary Locke buys coffee at a Beijing
Starbucks:
The U.S. envoy's habit of strolling about the city with
no
armed escort, and his arrival on a commercial flight in coach
class,
has been the subject of praise in China's media. It seems
that
China'S leader are tired of the praise in the state-run media.
Global Times, People's
Republic of China
Chinese Media
Should 'Calm Down' Over U.S. Ambassador Locke
Is U.S.
Ambassador Gary Locke embarrassing Chinese officials with his thrift and
common-man image? In this thin-skinned editorial from the state-controlled
Global Times, the Beijing regime criticizes Chinese media fawning over the new
U.S. envoy, exposing its discomfort over the more extravagant behavior of its
own senior officials.
Ambassador Gary Locke and his daughter, at the door to his residence in Beijing: Praise from China's media and public for his modesty and thrift appear to have embarrassed the Chinese regime, which sees such praise as hidden criticism for the high-handed behavior of its own senoir officals.
The attention received by
America's new ambassador to China, Gary Locke, is much more than his role
deserves. Aside from his attitude on many aspects of the bilateral relationship,
his personal life has aroused fierce debate among the Chinese public. He flew
to his post in economy class, carries a backpack and buys coffee with discount
vouchers. His image as an average man has won him praise from some Chinese
media.
This is reminiscent of talk about
U.S. Vice President Joe Biden, when he dined in an inexpensive Beijing restaurant.
Comparatively speaking, expectations about Chinese officials shone through in comments
by some Chinese media.
Covering these issues wouldn't
be a bad thing if media would keep a level head. But the discussion loses value
when Locke's every move is portrayed as being the norm for U.S. officials. Out
of a lack of knowledge and romanticism, some journalists have held Locke up as
a kind of mirror for Chinese officials.
As an ambassador to China, Locke
isn't supposed to have a large retinue of guards. And for Biden to eat a bowl
of noodles in a street restaurant, security costs are higher than for him to
dine at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse.
No Chinese ambassadors have large
retinues of attendants, and globally speaking, all visitors of Biden's level enjoy
the chance to dine at smaller restaurants. It is bizarre and twisted to regard
these visits as evidence of the cleanliness of U.S. politics.
Nevertheless, it is true that
some Chinese officials like having large numbers of attendants crowding around
them, which allows commentators to compare them unfavorably to people like
Locke.
But the fact that Locke's
casual stroll through hutongs
[narrow streets] with his family won so much praise is quite unbelievable. In
fact, countless senior officials, whether American or Chinese, would do the
same.
While China's media has its
problems, Locke should have purposely avoided allowing himself to be portrayed
as some kind of U.S. mirror. Consciously or unconsciously, Locke has worked
well with the media. That may be his individual preference or part of his new ambassadorial
mission. But Locke enjoys having his actions praised by Chinese media - even if
he knows he isn't as plain as described.
As American ambassador, Locke
should devote his time to Sino-U.S. relations rather playing to China's media. Lock's
becoming a political star in China cannot be interpreted as American respect
for China.
Media which is actively
sensationalizing Locke should show restraint. There are many appropriate occasions
and ways to criticize the corruption of Chinese officials and bureaucracy. Overly
praising a foreign ambassador isn't suitable, particularly when his task here
is a rather complicated one. Chinese media should be calm and rational when
discussing the private lives of people like Ambassador Locke.
We hope Locke does well in his
position as a U.S. ambassador to China. But neither he nor the media should
confuse his role.
