BEIJING - Gary Locke, the first Chinese American to hold the post of United States ambassador to China, will lead one of the most important foreign missions for the US. With his extensive experiences with China, Locke is the right person to lead the US embassy in China.

But here's the most important question: How will Locke promote China-US relations while looking out for the US' interests and handling sensitive issues?

Locke has caught the attention of the Chinese media mainly because he is a person of Chinese descent. Reports have fiercely debated whether he would be friendly to China.

Although discrimination against Chinese still exists in the US, the country's immigration policies are relatively sound. More importantly, Locke's upbringing, values and political experience prove that he is an American.

By appointing an ambassador who is Chinese American, the US is betting on Locke's Chinese face to give it more leverage in Sino-US relations.

Locke's experiences as the governor of Washington and as the US secretary of commerce are interrelated. While Locke was governor, the state's exports to China doubled, solidifying the state's close economic ties with China. As US secretary of commerce, US exports to China increased by 34 percent in one year, which is higher than the average growth of US exports.

In his dealings with China, Locke took advantage of his contacts in the nation and his adroit business skills to promote the US clean energy industry. As commerce secretary, he has had to navigate through very touchy issues for China, such as intellectual property rights and China's strict government procurement policy. In his negotiations on these issues, Locke has made some progress.

But the US continues to put pressures on China for its handling of the yuan and refuses to address China's market economy status, US export controls and China's investment in the US. This US policy is angering China's central government. Handling economic and trade relations is Locke's strengths, but as his role changes, he should learn to better respect the interests and concerns of his new "host country".

Locke will also have to address issues over a possible arms sales to Taiwan, Beijing's difference in opinion over Iran's nuclear proliferation and climate change. Tackling these issues require patience and superb political wisdom.

As US Vice-President Joe Biden's visit to China and Chinese Vice-President Xi Jinping's visit to the US approach, Locke should use these opportunities to improve Sino-US relations.

Sino-US relations are in a strategic crossroads and an ambassador who has a strategic vision and global respective is needed.

Perhaps the real test for Locke comes in 2012, when the US will hold its general elections. Criticism of the US' current policy on China may be intensified. Handling this will be Locke's test of wisdom as the top US diplomat in China. Controlling a potential crisis, building consensus and promoting active cooperation between the two nations will allow Locke to take Sino-US relations to new historic heights.

The author is a researcher at the Institute of American Studies of the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations.

China Daily