It seems that mild-mannered, coach-class flying U.S. Ambassador to China Gary Locke is making life uncomfortable for Beijing’s coddled, cloistered senior officials. In this thin-skinned editorial from the state-controlled Global Times, the Beijing regime criticizes Chinese media fawning over the new U.S. envoy, thereby exposing its own discomfort over the more extravagant behavior of its own senior officials.
The Global Times editorial says in part:
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.
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. … the fact that Locke’s casual stroll through narrow streets with his family won so much praise is quite unbelievable. … Lock’s becoming a political star in China cannot be interpreted as American respect for China.”
READ ON AT WORLDMEETS.US, your most trusted translator and aggregator of foreign news and views about our nation.
