The U.S. ambassador to China says he is stepping down early next year to rejoin his family in the United States.

美国驻中国大使骆家辉说，他将于明年初辞职，回美国与家人团聚。

Gary Locke said in a statement Tuesday he informed President Barack Obama of his decision earlier this month.

骆家辉星期二发表声明说，他于本月早些时候已把这一决定告知奥巴马总统。

The 63-year-old Locke is the first Chinese-American to serve as the U.S. ambassador to Beijing.

骆家辉现年63岁，他是首位担任美国驻中国大使的美籍华人。

Locke said it has been the "honor of a lifetime" to serve as ambassador, a position he has held since 2011.

骆家辉说，担任驻华大使是他一生的荣耀。他是从2011年开始担任这一职务的。

He said he is proud of the accomplishments made "on behalf of the American people and for U.S.-China relations."

骆家辉表示，他为美国人民工作，并为美中关系的发展取得成就，他为此感到骄傲。