WASHINGTON — President Obama on Saturday reached into the Republican ranks for a key foreign policy position in his administration, tapping Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. to be ambassador to China.
"Given the breadth of issues at stake in our relationship with China, this ambassadorship is as important as any in the world," Obama said in announcing the appointment at the White House with Huntsman at his side.
Though Huntsman has served as an ambassador to Singapore, speaks fluent Mandarin and has an adopted Chinese daughter, Obama noted that his selection of "not only a Republican, but a Republican who co-chaired my opponent's campaign for the presidency" wouldn't be the easiest move to explain to some people.
Huntsman also noted the unusual political circumstances.
"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," Huntsman said.
But Obama called Huntsman "the kind of leader who always puts country ahead of party," whose knowledge and experience prepared him for the challenging job.
Echoing Obama's comment about setting aside party differences, Huntsman said, "When the president of the United States asks you to step up and serve in a capacity like this, that, to me, is the end of the conversation and the beginning of the obligation to rise to the challenge."
Once confirmed by the Senate, as is expected, Huntsman will play a key role in U.S. efforts to recruit Chinese help on several fronts: responding to global economic troubles, addressing climate change and stopping the nuclear ambitions of Iran and North Korea.
Huntsman also will have to address human rights in China, a long-standing U.S. concern, and video piracy, a matter of importance to Hollywood.
"With a vast population, a growing economy and far-reaching influence, China will have a crucial role in confronting all the major challenges that face Asia and the world in the years ahead," Obama said.
Huntsman's appointment also could help Obama, who has struggled to win the support of congressional Republicans for various initiatives.
The appointment was a surprise because Huntsman has been mentioned as a potential challenger to Obama in 2012.
"It's hard to run for president from Beijing," said Bill Reinsch, president of the National Foreign Trade Council.
