Former Senator and China Envoy James Sasser Dies at 87

James Sasser, former Democratic Senator from Tennessee and U.S. Ambassador to China, passed away on September 10, 2024, at his residence in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. He was 87 years old. The family reported that a heart attack was the cause of death.

Sasser's political career spanned several decades, with notable achievements in both domestic and international arenas. He served three terms in the U.S. Senate from 1977 to 1995, where he gained recognition for his expertise in budget matters. Following his Senate career, Sasser took on the role of U.S. Ambassador to China from 1996 to 1999, a period marked by efforts to improve relations between the two nations.

During his tenure as ambassador, Sasser faced numerous challenges in navigating the complex U.S.-China relationship. He arrived in Beijing in early 1996, at a time when tensions lingered from the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown. Despite these obstacles, Sasser made significant strides in fostering diplomatic ties. He played a crucial role in arranging high-level visits, including Secretary of State Madeleine K. Albright and Vice President Al Gore.

One of Sasser's notable achievements was facilitating the first state visit of a Chinese leader to the United States in 12 years. President Jiang Zemin's seven-stop tour in late 1997 marked a significant milestone in bilateral relations. The following year, Sasser helped organize President Bill Clinton's reciprocal visit to China, which was seen as a critical step in cementing a new rapport between the two nations.

However, Sasser's ambassadorship faced a severe test in May 1999 when NATO forces accidentally bombed the Chinese embassy in Belgrade during the conflict in Serbia. This incident led to intense protests outside the U.S. Embassy in Beijing, with demonstrators pelting the compound with rocks and firebombs. Sasser and his staff were forced to barricade themselves inside the embassy for four days, subsisting on military rations and sleeping on the floor.

Before his diplomatic career, Sasser's journey in politics began in an unconventional manner. While attending law school at Vanderbilt University, he worked as a driver for Senator Estes Kefauver. This experience, despite Kefauver's discouragement, sparked Sasser's interest in politics. He went on to become chairman of the Tennessee Democratic Party from 1973 to 1976 before successfully running for the Senate.

In the Senate, Sasser was known for his low-key approach, focusing on committee work and budget issues. He often aligned with Tennessee's Gore family, being mentored by former senator Al Gore Sr. and later serving alongside Al Gore Jr. Sasser's political positions included opposition to President Ronald Reagan's support of the Nicaraguan Contras and advocacy for defense spending cuts after the Cold War.

Following his political and diplomatic careers, Sasser worked as a consultant for Chinese and American companies and later taught public policy at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

James Sasser is survived by his wife of 62 years, Mary Gorman Sasser, two children, two sisters, and four grandchildren. His legacy as a budget expert, diplomat, and bridge-builder between the United States and China will be remembered in the annals of American politics and international relations.

"Simply because a senator gets up on the floor of the Senate and says some uncomplimentary things about China, that's not necessarily government policy."