Gary Locke, the new American ambassador to China, has captured the attention of both the Chinese media and public with his frugality since his arrival in the country. Chinese newspaper headlines have been full of Mr. Locke's cost-cutting behavior, such as buying coffee with coupons, carrying his own bags and flying economy class. His frugal behavior has drawn many favorable comments, particularly online. However, not everyone has rushed to praise Mr. Locke. The Global Times, one of China's leading English-language newspapers, carried a recent editorial which claimed that Mr. Locke should focus on his job as US ambassador instead of such "political shows". The editorial also criticized Chinese media for losing its sense of impartiality and balance when reporting about Gary Locke because "every move is packaged by the media as being part of the class of US officials".

It may be true that Gary Locke, as a veteran politician representing American interests, has certain political motives for his recent "political shows" or "new mission." However, the real motives of the new American ambassador are not important. What is important is why such "political shows" which most Americans simply take for granted have become such sensational news and aroused such heated discussion in China.

We can see why the issue has gripped the country's imagination if we compare Mr. Locke's behavior to that of some Chinese officials. Unlike Mr. Locke, some Chinese officials have become accustomed to special treatment, such as travelling with police motorcades, flying first class, eating specially-offered food and delicacies, living in the best houses and wearing expensive clothes, all whilst spending taxpayers money. As Mr. Tang, a microbogger who uploaded a photo of Gary Locke buying coffee in Starbucks to the Sina Weibo, said in an online post: "In China, even low-ranking officials don't do things for themselves. Someone goes to buy the coffee for them. Someone carries their bags for them."