Gary Locke, the US ambassador famous for buying his own Starbucks coffee while carrying his own backpack, flying cattle class instead of first class and then getting taunted publicly by the smart-alecky CCTV host Rui Chenggang for it, is back in the limelight again. more ›

The Economist has a really interesting piece based on comments by Geoff Raby, former Australian ambassador to China (and now businessman), made during a gathering with foreign correspondents in Beijing Tuesday evening. Some of you may remember earlier this year that Raby famously snubbed his own boss, foreign minister Kevin Rudd (who was formerly the Australian PM), by saying, ''To speak Chinese is not to know China.'' more ›

Gary Locke -- the US Ambassador who buys his own coffee AND flies cattle class -- gave an important speech yesterday in which he laid out his vision for the future of the U.S.-China economic and trade relationship. Here are a few excerpts: more ›

Just two weeks into his job, new US Ambassador to China Gary Locke continues to enjoy his honeymoon period with Chinese netizens. more ›

The new US ambassador to China Gary Locke made his first public appearance this weekend in Beijing, using the opportunity to assure China that its investment in the US dollar is safe. With headlines in Chinese state media like "Locke to rebuild US reputation" and "New US ambassador faces a tough job", the tone in Beijing seems at the very least welcoming, if not optimistic over the arrival of the former US Secretary of Commerce. After burning up the Chinese internets last weekend because he buys his own coffee and carries his own backpack, Locke was asked whether he plans to use social media to speak directly with Chinese citizens, and responded "We look forward to using all forms of communications, including blogging and the electronic media." In the mean time, you can follow him on Twitter at @AmbLocke. Surprisingly, we still can't find a verified account for him on Weibo! But you can follow the U.S. Embassy in Beijing here. more ›

US Ambassador Gary Locke may have only just touched down in China but he's already making waves in the People's Republic. more ›

Remarks by Ambassador Jon M. Huntsman Jr. at the Barnett-Oksenberg Lecture more ›

Well, we can't be sure of this, because we weren't in Beijing for yesterday's Jasmine would-be protests, but the Wall Street Journal certainly seems to think so. more ›

That's the big question that political pundits in the US of A have been asking over the last few days. It all began on Sunday when Newsweek published a report speculating that the former governor of Utah, and current US ambassador to China, would make a bid for the presidency in 2012 (that's next year). more ›

Yeesh, speaking of propaganda, it seems that China Daily has an entire section devoted solely to foreign dignitaries wishing China, among other things, a happy birthday and a bright future. more ›