Submitted by: David McKinnon

President Obama recently appointed Jon Huntsman, Jr. as the U.S. Ambassador to China.  This was a very interesting move.  Not only is Huntsman a Republican, but he was a big supporter of John McCain and he served as a campaign advisor.  I think this shows how important US relations with China really are.   So important that Obama felt it necessary to put partisan politics aside and appoint who he felt would be the best choice, a move that angered quite a few Democrats.  He recognized that this appointment is not one that can be taken lightly or filled by somebody just because they’re “in his club.” Also, Huntsman served as the Governor of my home state of Utah, so I thought I could fill you in on who he is and a little about his background.

So, what is an ambassador?  What do they do?  Before answering those questions, just know that, if you ever run across one, you’re expected to address them as “Your Excellency.”

Believe it or not, it is said that Genghis Khan was the first to introduce the idea of ambassadors.  Back in the early 1200’s Khan saw the potential that a trade partnership with Khwarezmia (a neighboring empire) could produce.  Khan sent representatives to establish ties, but they were killed by skeptical government officials.  Khan sent a second party, and all but one were killed.  Khan, believing that his representatives should have protection and immunity, became furious and conquered the empire.  This set a precedent for representative relations among foreign governments.

Nowadays, Ambassadors are protected by diplomatic immunity – that means no parking tickets, ever (I know that because Morgan repeatedly complains about the millions owed by visiting UN officials to the city of New York for unpaid parking tickets).  Ambassadors are our nation’s highest ranking government representatives in the country they serve.  They manage the different aspects of the embassy.  They manage the economic and political relationship with the country, and oversee the interests and welfare of US citizens living there.  For a more complete list of what Ambassador Responsibilities include, you can check out this link:

http://montevideo.usembassy.gov/usaweb/paginas/01-03EN.shtml

Hunstman served a church mission in Taiwan where he was able to learn Mandarin Chinese.  Many of you know that I served a similar church mission in Ecuador.  I think this gives him a unique view, having directly worked with and served common people, not just dignitaries.   He has a business background, graduating with a degree from Wharton.  He later lived in Taipei with his family for a few years, which allowed him to adapt his business background to Asian practices.  I think all of these things caught Obama’s eye and as a result, Huntsman gained his trust. Huntsman has the tools to succeed in China, and be an effective representative of our nation.

So what do you guys think?  What are some of the issues you see Huntsman discussing or addressing in the future?  He is there to represent our government’s interests, so what are some of the pressing issues or interests that will be addressed in the coming years?  Will economic issues dominate roundtable discussions, and how aggressive will the US be with more sensitive issues, such as human rights and the environment?

Professor Carr January 19, 2011 addendum:  And here is a wonderful WSJ article to follow up on David’s post on how Huntsman is charming them in Beijing:  When Diplomacy Means Abandoning the Rule Book.