Former president of the United Auto Workers, Woodcock became well known
for his role of re-establishing full diplomatic ties between the U.S.
and China during the Carter administration. Appointed U.S. Ambassador
to China in 1979, Woodcock helped open the U.S. Embassy in Beijing in
1979, and served as a tour guide to Chinese President Deng during his
9-day tour of the United States in 1979.
President of the United Automobile Workers Union (1970-1977).
U.S. ambassador to China (1979-1981).
Children: daughters Leslie, Janet; son John.
When White House counsel John Dean handed over President Richard Nixon's
"Enemies List" to the Watergate committee in June 1973, Woodcock's name
was among the 20 on the list.