New Chinese-American Ambassador for America to China causes Storm in a Coffee Cup

[Papewaio]

Title should read:
New Chinese-American Ambassodor for American to China causes Storm in a Coffee Cup

Common touch rattles China

BEIJING: The word on the street, whether in Washington or Beijing, is that the United States is on the decline and China is on the ascent. But it has taken nothing more than a cup of coffee and a backpack to show that US officials can still evoke awe, respect and envy among Chinese, even if unwittingly.

A photograph taken on Friday of the new US ambassador to China, Gary Locke, buying coffee with his six-year-old daughter and carrying a black backpack at a Starbucks in Seattle Airport, has gone viral on the internet in China.

The seemingly banal scene has bewildered and disarmed Chinese because they are used to seeing their own officials indulge in privileged lives often propped up by graft, bribery and lavish expense accounts.

Awesome to see that Starbucks is still selling coffee...

And and even more so to see people doing normal things stirring up such interest. It's a case of culture shock in reverse (normally its the tourist, not the host).

I like it when people just be themselves and by doing show, lead by example that there are better ways.