Nomination of New Ambassador to China is Clever Move in Chess

Hong Kong "Takungpao" issued a commentary on the 18th that said, “Obama nominates Utah Governor Huntsman to take the post of American ambassador to China,” and furthermore stressed that he will make the most of the rich foreign diplomatic and trade experience of this Republican Party’s star of tomorrow.

An excerpt of the article is as follows:

Last Saturday President Obama nominated Utah Governor Huntsman (Jon Huntsman) to take the post of U.S. ambassador to China, and furthermore stressed that he will make the most of the rich foreign diplomatic and trade experience of the Republican Party’s star of tomorrow. It is believed that Huntsman, who can speak Chinese, could build a new bridge for the development of U.S.-China relations, but this bridge is not only related to the betterment of social welfare in both the U.S. and China--it will also influence the world.

According to conventions, after the new American president took office he has appointed a group of ambassadors stationed abroad that mostly come from two “talent banks.” The first is the State Department and the second is the president’s surrounding “small group.” Most foreign ambassadors are from the State Department and are mid- career diplomats stationed abroad. A small number of quite important countries have senior diplomats that are assigned to go abroad on diplomatic missions. Within the president's trusted circle, some individuals are the billionaires that raised huge funds during the presidential election. They may not be very familiar with diplomatic work, but the president has apportioned them to the duty of a relatively leisurely and carefree ambassador. This kind of “rewarded according to contribution” conforms to the rules of the American political game.

Depending on Their inside Connection, Outsiders are able to go to the White House.

In American diplomatic system, ambassadors that are stationed abroad are under the direction of the secretary of state, but those ambassadors with powerful, “underground” connections sometimes take advantage of their relationship with the president or the vice-president. They then bypass the State Department and report directly to the White House about the country’s situation. On one hand, this type of action allows efficiency because the White House becomes immediately involved, but on the other hand, it casts aside the State Department’s head officer, causing unavoidable discontent. If there are misunderstandings, it is inevitable that it will bring unfavorable and disadvantageous influence to the work.

Huntsman is not Obama’s trusted aid. In last year's election he was the Republican presidential candidate, McCain’s national campaign co-chair, and could be considered the senior general in Obama’s “hostile camp.” Although he is “the outsider,” this does not hinder him from proceeding to the capital, to takes office in the White House. He maintains a “hot line connection” because the good friend, who recommended him to take the post of ambassador to China, is the key person in charge of U.S.-China affairs in White House –John Battle, the senior director for Asian Affairs in the National Security Council.

Under Battle’s recommendation, the chief of staff of the White House, Emmanuel and Huntsman have had three consecutive phone calls. Also, using the opportunity of this governor’s trip to participate in and attend the annual dinner hosted by the White House Journalist Association in Washington DC, Battle arranged for Huntsman to visit the president in the Oval Office. Obama and Mr. and Mrs. Huntsman talked for 15 minutes and then Huntsman agreed to accept the president’s nomination.

Huntsman, who joined politics many years ago during Bush Senior’s term and held the post of Ambassador to Singapore, certainly understands his “outsider” situation. Just recently, during the campaign for governor, Huntsman defeated his opponent by winning the majority of votes. He is viewed as the leader of the Republican Party’s potential “resurgence.” Now, when leaving the position as governor to take the post of ambassador, the move has obviously undergone much consideration. Obama may have made some promises to him, which will be very important for his future achievements as ambassador.

Stepping across Party Lines to Elect the Ambassador is a Clever Move in Chess.

Although it is widely known in Washington that Huntsman may possibly participate in the 2012 U.S. presidential election and that many people within the Republican Party appreciate his moderate representation, if he takes the ambassadorship to China, he will be giving up his 2012 aspirations. For Obama, stepping over party lines to choose the ambassador is a clever move in chess. This demonstrates that he does not stick with his political party alone, but appoints people on merit. And, in terms of a bid for reelection, it reduces potential opponents. This truly kills two birds with one stone.