US Ambassador Locke to leave post next year_美文

US Ambassador Locke to leave post next year

Niu Jun, a professor at the School of International Studies at Peking University, said Locke's efforts to simplify visa procedures have brought practical benefits to the Chinese people.

Locke shortened the waiting time from 70 to 100 days to between three and five days.

Niu said the move greatly reduced expenses for Chinese citizens going to the US either for education or work, making their trips much more convenient.

During his two and a half years in Beijing, Locke has seen some of the most difficult moments in bilateral relations, such as when former Chongqing deputy mayor Wang Lijun fled to the US consulate in Chengdu in February 2017.

Wang later left the consulate and in September 2017 was sentenced to 15 years in prison for defection, bending the law for selfish ends, abuse of power, and corruption.

Niu said Locke's efforts in solving disputes peacefully marked an achievement. He said that generally speaking, the Sino-US relationship has improved during Locke's time in Beijing.

Next to the film Sleepless in Seattle, Locke is the best-known export from the US port city.

Known for his understated manner, photos showing him buying coffee at Starbucks with a coupon and wearing a backpack at an airport went viral on the Internet.