Obama: Republican Chinese ambassador

by Mark Silva and updated

President Barack Obama this morning nominated Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman, a Republican who has served Ronald Reagan and the two Bush administrations and also helped Obama's Republican rival campaign for the White House, to serve as U.S. ambassador to China.

Huntsman has served past administrations, appointed by Republicans, in diplomatic roles: He was deputy U.S. trade ambassador from 2001-03 under former President George W. Bush, and he was U.S. ambassador to Singapore from 1992-93, ppointed by President George H.W. Bush. The Senate has confirmed his appointments twice.

In underscoring the importance of U.S. relations with China in a changing world, the White House today has invoked one of the trademark code words for the tough negotiations that the U.S. and China will face on a number of fronts: "Frank.'' This particularly involves human rights.

"I'm making this appointment mindful of its extraordinary significance,'' the president said this morning, joining Huntsman in the White House Diplomatic Room. "Given the breadth of issues at stake in our relationship with China, this ambassadorship is as important as any in the world -- because the United States will best be able to deal effectively with global challenges in the 21st century by working in concert with China. ...

"I believe there's much to be gained from a closer, working relationship with China,'' Obama said. "But improved relations with China will require candor and open discussion about those issues where we don't always agree, such as human rights and democracy and free speech. And it will require that each of our nations play by the rules in open and honest competition.

"I can think of no one better suited to take on this assignment than the governor of the great state of Utah, Jon Huntsman,'' Obama said.

"Finally, I knew that because Jon is not only a Republican, but a Republican who co-chaired my opponent's campaign for the presidency, this wouldn't be the easiest decision to explain to some members of his party,'' Obama said. "But here's what I also know. I know that Jon is the kind of leader who always puts country ahead of party and is always willing to sacrifice on behalf of our nation.''

"I never expected to be standing here,'' Huntsman said. "Nor did I expect, as national co-chair of Sen. (John) McCain's presidential campaign, to be called into action by the person who beat us...

"I'm reminded of my favorite Chinese aphorism. It goes something like this,'' he said, voicing it in Chinese first. 'Together we work, together we progress.' This, more than anything else, I think captures the spirit of our journey going forward.''

(Photo of Gov. John Huntsman and President Barack Obama in the Diplomatic Room by AFP / pool / Getty Images.)

With his experience, the White House says, Huntsman should be able to carry out that conversation well. He speaks Mandarin Chinese and his seven children include two adopted daughters from China and India.

"The president believes that the United States will be able to most effectively confront global challenges in the 21st Century by working with China,'' the White House said this morning in announcing the nomination.

"China has a large and growing population and economy, and will have a crucial role in confronting all of the major challenges that face Asia and the world in the years ahead,'' the White House press secretary said in a statement issued.

"The president believes we will need to continue to work with China to stem the financial crisis and help lay a foundation for sustainable growth and lasting prosperity for people on both sides of the Pacific. The president knows that Governor Huntsman has respect for China's proud traditions; understands what it will take to make America more competitive in the 21st century; and will be an unstinting advocate for America's interests and ideals, including in North Korea.

"Governor Huntsman's long service to the country also prepares him well to be frank with our Chinese friends when we disagree on human rights, democracy, and other matters,'' the press secretary said.

Huntsman was just reelected last year to a second term with a a record vote, carrying every county in Utah.
Huntsman touts his work in raising teacher pay while increasing student access to all-day kindergarten, early childhood literacy and core math and science programs.
He has a bachelor's degree in International Politics from the University of Pennsylvania. His public service started in the White House as an assistant to President Ronald Reagan and has included senior appointments in the Commerce Department.