After leaving the governor’s office, Mr. Locke helped run the China practice at a law firm in Seattle, Davis Wright Tremaine. He also helped organize a visit to Washington State in 2006 by China’s president, Hu Jintao. He is one of two Chinese-Americans in the Cabinet, along with Steven Chu, the energy secretary.

The news of Mr. Locke’s appointment was reported on Monday by ABC News. The White House did not return a call seeking comment. Mr. Locke’s appointment would need to be confirmed by the Senate.

Like Mr. Locke, Mr. Huntsman was a governor of a western state, Utah. Mr. Huntsman learned to speak Mandarin Chinese from his time as a Mormon missionary in Taiwan. But Mr. Huntsman, a Republican, has emerged as a potential rival to Mr. Obama — a turn of events that has led to a few awkward moments.

Mr. Obama was asked about Mr. Huntsman’s future in January at a White House news conference with Mr. Hu, while Mr. Huntsman sat in the front row. Mr. Obama said he was sure Mr. Huntsman would be successful “in whatever endeavors he chooses in the future.” Then, grinning, he added, “And I’m sure that him having worked so well with me will be a great asset in any Republican primary.”