Gary Locke, currently Commerce Secretary of the United States, is likely to be appointed the next U.S. Ambassador to China, according to reports.
The White House said that U.S. President Barack Obama would announce Mr. Locke’s nomination for the top job in Beijing this week and possibly as early as Wednesday.
His nomination would follow the retirement of Jon Huntsman, the current Ambassador, from the role. Mr. Huntsman is rumoured to be considering joining the 2012 Republican presidential primary race.
Mr. Locke was formerly the Governor of Washington State, and only the second ever Asian-American Governor in U.S. history.
As Commerce Secretary the Chinese-American Mr. Locke played a key role in advancing the U.S.’ trade with India, travelling to India both with Mr. Obama last November and again as part of a trade delegation in February.
