The Chinese connection

Chris Lu, a 41-year-old Chinese-American was the legislative director for US President Barack Obama's Senate office and a core member of his campaign team.

Graduating from Princeton University in 1988 and from Havard Law School in 1991, Lu joined Obama's team as his legislative director in 2005. Lu leads a 15-person group that is responsible for making laws during his time in office.

Jeffrey Bader, 63, a China hand, served as deputy assistant secretary of state of East Asian and Pacific affairs and Obama's China advisor during the presidential campaign.