Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, issued the following statement following Gary Locke’s announcement that he will step down as ambassador to China in 2014.

“Gary has served our state and nation with resolve for three decades,” Larsen said. “As ambassador, commerce secretary and governor, Gary opened new markets for Washington businesses and helped our economy grow.

“His historic appointment as the first Chinese-American to be our ambassador to China led to closer ties and more frank dialogue across the Pacific. I am proud of Gary’s steadfast commitment to promote human rights in China and advance American interests in the Asia-Pacific region.

“I thank Gary for his work and look forward to welcoming him back home in Washington state.”

Larsen is co-chair and founder of the U.S.-China Working Group.