JUST TWO WEEKS after Beijing authorities shut down nearly 30 schools for 30,000 children of migrant workers, U.S. Ambassador Gary Locke on Sept. 10 visited children of migrant workers at a Beijing charity art show, offering the children a rare show of kindness that sharply contrasts with Chinese officials' neglect.
(Photo 1: U.S. Ambassador to China Gary Locke (R) and Chinese children's storywriter Zheng Yangjie (L) pose with children of migrant workers at a Beijing art show on Sept. 10. weibo.com)
Just prior to China's traditional Mid-Autumn Festival, Locke, accompanied by his wife, three children, and Chinese children's storywriter Zheng Yangjie, encouraged the children to continue their education and love for art. The children in return gave their artworks to the ambassador as gifts to be displayed at the U.S. Embassy during its 9/11 commemoration, according to the embassy's microblog page.
While at the art show, Locke and his wife also met with several teenage orphans, who serve as volunteer teachers for the younger children of migrant workers.
And just as before, Locke and his family's simple lifestyle and friendly approach continue to win the hearts of the Chinese.
His children were dressed so simply that Zheng at first mistook them as children of migrant workers. Just as he was about to introduce one of them to the ambassador, Locke's wife, Mona Lee, smiled and said, "she is my daughter."
Though Zheng immediately apologized, Locke said it's no big deal and replied:
I am also a worker.
The story quickly circulated among Chinese netizens, with one netizen commending his care for disadvantaged groups and respect for universal values, and another saying that he has done everything that Chinese officials are supposed to do and never did.
Chinese netizen Eastern Saifu (东方赛弗) commented on microblogging service Sina Weibo:
A bit more care is a bit more love. Growing up is a process that needs much encouragement. Ambassador Gary Locke's show of love will be remembered by the children deep in their hearts.
Confused Cat Xindy (糊涂猫Xindy) said:
The ambassador of another country is showing care for our children, how about our country?
Zhang Xiulian commented:
This sure will make our government quite uncomfortable…
(Photo 2: U.S. Ambassador to China Gary Locke (L) stands with his wife, Mona Lee (C), three children, and Chinese children's storywriter Zheng Yangjie (R) at an art show for children of migrant workers in Beijing on Sept. 10. weibo.com)
Best of luck to Gary Locke, he's got a tough but important job.