Wife denies Gary Locke's rumored love affair

Gary Locke (front) and his family members. (File photo / China News Service)

Washington (CNS) – Gary Locke's decision to step down from his diplomatic post was made by the family, said Mona Lee, wife of the US ambassador to China, in an exclusive interview with China News Service.

She made the remarks Thursday after attending the 100,000 Strong Foundation's annual conference at American University in Washington.

"We have two homes, one in Seattle and the other in Beijing. I miss Beijing very much, and I will go back to Beijing next week to spend Thanksgiving with Gary," she said.

When asked about the internet rumor that Locke had to make a hasty return to the US because he was involved in an affair with another woman, Lee said "I assure you that this is not true."

Gary Locke was the first Chinese-American to hold the post of US ambassador to China. In a recent announcement, he mentioned his decision to step down early next year to rejoin his family in Seattle.