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WASHINGTON (AP) - President Barack Obama will nominate retiring Sen. Max Baucus of Montana to serve as ambassador to China.
If he's confirmed by the Senate, Baucus will replace ambassador Gary Locke, who's announced he plans to leave the diplomatic post.
Baucus has served in the Senate for more than two decades. Obama says he's worked to deepen relations between the U.S. and China.
Obama says, quote, "The economic agreements he helped forge have created millions of American jobs and added billions of dollars to our economy, and he's perfectly suited to build on that progress in his new role."
Baucus decided not to seek re-election next year. Democratic Gov. Steve Bullock of Montana will get to name a replacement.
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