Locke a lesson for many officials

Updated: 2011-08-17 08:19

(China Daily)

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Gary Locke started his political career as Washington state governor and he was US secretary of commerce before becoming US ambassador to China. And though his arrival in China was low profile, the Chinese American has drawn great media attention. His style of functioning deserves discussion whether or not maintaining a low profile reflects his personality, says an article in Southern Metropolis Daily. Excerpts:

Garry Locke and his wife, and their three children carried their luggage at the airport, and drove in an ordinary business-purpose vehicle to the US embassy in Beijing. Locke reportedly even tried to buy coffee with coupons at the Seattle airport in Washington state.

Some people think Locke's low-key arrival reflects his simple working style, and even suggest pompous Chinese officials learn from his simplicity. But others think Locke's behavior suggests something else.

Perhaps Locke intended to convey to everyone that unlike the US, which faces terrorist threats, China is a different country and that he feels safe riding an ordinary car rather than a bullet-proof vehicle. Or, he wants to show that since civil servants' salaries are paid by taxpayers, they need to lead a rather simple life, keep a low profile and create as little trouble as possible for other people. Or, he wants to tell civil servants that they should be careful enough not to misuse taxpayers' money.

Probably, Locke wants to convey that though China is a country with a long history, it should attribute its drawbacks to traditional culture. As a third-generation emigrant to the US who boasts of his Chinese origin, Locke does not want to demand special treatment or official display that many Chinese officials have become accustomed to.

Locke and his family did away with unnecessary formalities on their first day in China, sparking discussions across Chinese society. And though he didn't say much on his arrival and irrespective of whether he is actually as simple in his life, some Chinese officials should reflect on their contrasting lifestyle.

(China Daily 08/17/2011 page9)