The New U.S. Ambassador to China

Jon Huntsman, nominated by President Obama to be the new U.S. Ambassador to China, promised that he will be a “hard headed realist” when it comes to relations between the U.S. and China. He admitted that there are still disagreements between the two countries on issues such as human rights, Tibet and Taiwan.

Huntsman appeared before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on 23 July to announce that this is the most exciting period in the 30 year history of diplomatic relations with China. He said that a realist foundation will form the basis for his approach in dealing with China.

If appointed, Huntsman will further economic and military collaboration between China and America, and encourage cooperation on issues like climate change and North Korea. He stressed that “we need to continue working closely with China to convince North Korea to abandon its nuclear weapons program.” He also vowed to further efforts to encourage awareness of human rights issues in China.

The 49 year old was once a Mormon missionary in Taiwan and therefore speaks both Mandarin and Taiwanese fluently. He believes that he has a responsibility to pacify the conflict between China and Taiwan in a respectful manner.

Most believe that Huntsman is a new Republican talent, and could quite possibly challenge Obama in the 2012 elections. His accomplishments during four years as Governor of Utah made him widely popular. From 1992 to 1993 he served as ambassador to Singapore for George H.W. Bush, and was a deputy U.S. trade representative under George W. Bush. The Senate Foreign Relations Committee is expected to pass Huntsman’s nomination on to the Senate and a decision will be made before 7 August. Many senators have expressed their support for Huntsman, and his appointment is expected to be approved quickly by Congress.