Positive roles to play for new ambassador

Given his age, the next US ambassador to China, Max Baucus, has enough ability, space, reasons and energy to focus on his new job. Hopefully, he can play positive roles in promoting bilateral ties between China and the United States, says an article in 21st Century Business Herald. Excerpts:

The US Senate has confirmed 72-year-old Max Baucus as the new US ambassador to China, replacing Gary Locke.

It is of major significance for Baucus to serve in his new post as Sino-US ties are in a stage of transformation. China is a rising world power in many fields. Frictions between China and the US in trade, security and international relations are on the rise. The increasing interdependence of the two partners requires both sides to put more energy into managing the bilateral friction for stable ties.

Although the US ambassador is not the decisive factor in shaping bilateral ties, the Obama administration obviously hopes to use the ability and experience of Baucus, who has dealt with Chinese issues and relations since the 1990s, to explore the potential of promoting the healthy development of Sino-US relations.

Baucus has visited China eight times. He is a hardliner on China on issues of trade, intellectual property rights protection and human rights.

Most of his public life has been spent in. He is well connected and can convey Chinese concerns directly to the important figures in US politics.