Huntsman in China

ARTICLE: New U.S. Ambassador to China Predicts Broad Engagement, By DAVID BARBOZA, New York Times, September 2, 2009

Neat personal connection for Huntsman going back to Nixon. He seems to be the right man at the right time for the job in Beijing.

Comments

[James Patrick Miller]

Too cool childhood connection to the Kissinger/Nixon breakthough on China. Gov. Huntsman certainly does seem to be the right person. His personal knowledge, and relationships in China will serve him well. It is so important for American leaders to understand the context of Chinese positions. So many times statements are taken out of context and blown up into media events.

The U.S. and China have a window of opportunity to get the relationship right, before China's economic strength challenges, and surpasses that of the U.S. If we are not on stable ground then, I worry about how some might react to a stronger China. Fear and uncertainty could drive our reaction versus confidence and mutual trust.