Obama Names Locke Ambassador To China

President Barack Obama announced Wednesday that he is tapping Commerce Secretary Gary Locke as the new U.S. ambassador to China. 

“I know he will bring the same skills and experience that he brought to Commerce Secretary to this new position that he’s about to embark on,” Obama said from the White House’s Diplomatic Reception room.

Flanked by Locke as well as Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and National Security Adviser Tom Donilion, Obama put a special emphasis on Locke’s heritage.

“More than 100 years ago, Gary’s grandfather left China on a steamship bound for America, where he worked as a domestic servant in Washington State,” Obama said. “A century later, his grandson will return to China as America’s top diplomat.”

Locke will replace outgoing ambassador Jon Huntsman, who is rumored to be considering a Presidential run in 2012. Still, Obama was gracious Wednesday to his potential political opponent.

“Jon has been an outstanding advocate for this administration and for this country.  He made a real sacrifice in moving his family out of the state that they loved and has helped to strengthen our critical relationship with the Chinese government and the Chinese people,” Obama said