Baucus can bring China to Congress

Senator Max Baucus of Montana was sworn in by US Vice-President Joseph Biden on Feb 21 as the country's new ambassador to China. The decision to nominate Baucus, according to many, was influenced by the US administration's domestic political calculus and the senator's work on US-China trade matters. But Baucus has another asset that should not be overlooked: 35 years of experience in US Congress. He is well positioned to help bridge the gap of understanding and trust between Congress and China, which could lead to more effective US and Chinese policymaking.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Barack Obama have made it a priority to deepen their personal relationship and better understand each other's foreign and domestic priorities. But Chinese officials still need a better understanding of how the US government functions between the executive and legislative branches, and US Congress needs a more sophisticated understanding of China and to pay greater attention to the country.

Members of the US House of Representatives are the closest public officials to the American people and can be important educators of their constituents on China and foreign policy issues. Yet close familiarity with and consistent focus on China has been lacking on Capitol Hill primarily because US representatives are elected to look after the interests of their constituents, not necessarily for their foreign policy expertise. What's more, internal and domestic matters have recently consumed the congressional agenda because of Washington's political gridlock and high turnover in the House (new members do not usually focus on foreign policy).