Hope that China is more friendly to American enterprises, President Barack Obama nominated Wednesday as his top envoy in Beijing Commerce Minister Gary Locke, the first Chinese-American, to serve diplomatically and make commercially important assignments. Locke is very proficient in Chinese politics, which frustrated American companies trying to sell their products in the large and growing Asian market have. He led delegations of US companies on dozens of overseas trips, including to China, where US exports grew by 34 percent last year. "When he is in Beijing, I know that American businesses can count on him to represent their interests to China's top leadership," Obama said when announcing Locke's nomination. Emphasizing the critical nature of the relationship between the US and China, Obama was flanked by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton at the ceremony in the White House, in the diplomatic room. Locke accepted his appointment drawing on his convincing family history. His grandfather first came to America as a houseboy in Washington in exchange for English lessons to work at home. His father, also born in China and moved to the USA as a teenager, died in January. "I know that if he were still alive, one of his proudest moments would be to see his son named Ambassador of the United States in his native land," Locke said as his wife and three children looked on. If confirmed by the Senate, Locke would replace Ambassador Jon Huntsman, who leaves China in April. The former Republican governor of Utah has signaled his intention to lead a campaign against Obama in the 2012 presidential election, which many in the White House view with irritation. The President praised Huntsman as an "excellent advocate for this administration" — praise that the White House knows too well could hurt Huntsman with primary Republican voters. Locke, a quiet 61-year-old, is popular in China, say those who have traveled with him to China. During his more than 20 trips to China in the past 20 years, Locke has built relationships with many government officials, including President Hu Jintao and China's economy experts. As ambassador, Locke will be tasked with managing the U.S. relationship with a country that Obama often refers to as America's chief economic rival. Government representatives, including Locke, have pushed China on reform policies that enhance the ability of American companies to export to China, and have strongly condemned Chinese efforts to undervalue its currency to make its goods cheaper. The US-China relationship extends far beyond the economy. The US needs Chinese support on a range of foreign policy issues. Related theme articles: puma shoes women HDB lie ILY nike shox deutschland CKP cmj EDT shoes cheap puma KPY lkz JZL