China debate over US envoy's coffee run
 

The low-key actions of two top US officials have sparked heated debate among China's netizens about the nature of public servants.

A photograph of new US Ambassador to China Gary Locke ordering coffee and carrying his own backpack generated thousands of online comments.

A visit by Vice-President Joe Biden to a small Beijing eatery fuelled debate.

Many praised the informality of the two men's actions, contrasting them with status-conscious Chinese officials.

It was Mr Locke's arrival in China that started the debate.

After being photographed at the airport in Seattle ordering coffee with his young daughter, the new ambassador arrived in Beijing at the weekend.

His family carried their own bags from the airport and were then driven away in a minivan.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-14578252


Note: 18 August 2011 Last updated at 16:39 GMT