What's the Trick Played by New Ambassador to China, Gary Locke?

When the Chinese-American Gary Locke was about to start his new career as the ambassador to China, he attracted great attention from Chinese around the world. This is because of a thousand-year tradition left by ancient Chinese. On one hand, they are excited about government officials, regardless of whether the officials’ power is restricted by law or not. On the other hand, most Chinese don’t dare to participate in or discuss politics, even when they have the legal right to be elected. First Locke was a governor, then he became the minister of commerce and now he has been appointed ambassador to China. Even though he is American-born, his achievements still draw Chinese people’s attention and make them proud of him.

On Aug. 12, Locke drew a new wave of attention from Chinese people and gave them a new perspective. At 9:29, the U.S. Delta Airlines flight DL 129 arrived at Beijing Capital Airport; Locke arrived in the plane with his family. According to the report, Locke carried a backpack and wore a pair of casual shoes, with his cell phone at his waist; he carried a heavy-looking, bulging briefcase. His wife, daughters and son followed him. Almost everyone was carrying a backpack or a handbag and his entourage didn’t offer to help. They took a business car rather than a special car to the embassy. Besides, when Locke departed from Seattle, he tried to use a coupon to buy a cup of coffee in the airport, but was turned down.

When the news got out, it drew many thoughts, associations and guesses from domestic Chinese. Some thought Locke was making a show, some praised him for the democracy, and some even suggested that Chinese officials ought to learn from him. The ambassador hasn’t started his diplomatic work but has already caught so much attention and applause. His simple move won so many compliments — is this a trick?

Perhaps Locke is trying to tell people that although the U.S. is in the center of international terrorism, where every domestic anti-terrorism measure is taken seriously and the president can’t go around without a bulletproof car, the order and security situation in China is safe. After passing through U.S. airport security, he could relax the rest of the way, on the plane, in China’s airport and on the way to the embassy. It seems that China is much safer than the U.S.

Perhaps Locke is also trying to tell people that in the modern world, government officials are public servants who use taxpayers’ money. The so-called “public servants” are simple and low-profile; they don’t bother people, and don’t separate themselves from the “owner” (public). Therefore, Locke takes a passenger airplane, eats normal food and uses coupons as long as he can.

Another possibility is that Locke is trying to say that “don’t waste taxpayers’ money” is the value that all countries that levy taxes should recognize. One cannot go on a business trip abroad without spending money, but it is possible to travel very economically. Taking the same plane as taxpayers lets them see clearly how their money be used. On the contrary, if the official takes a special plane, taxpayers will wonder where their money goes.

A very likely explanation is that Locke is trying to tell people that even though China has a long history, its traditional culture is not to blame for all its malpractice. Locke is a third-generation Chinese-American and highly identifies with his Chinese heritage, but he shows no features of typical Chinese officials, like enjoying special treatment or a large entourage.

All words being said in silence, Locke’s trick is to arise heated discussion among Chinese right after he landed in China by traveling with light luggage and few attendants. He didn’t say anything, but Chinese people seem to come to their own conclusion. They realized that while after the reform, all kinds of people and things come to China, it’s not up to others which ones to keep — that will be decided by the Chinese themselves.

The author is a sociology professor at Shanghai University.