E-mail updates
Follow on Twitter
Subscribe to RSSVisit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
Beijing – In yesterday’s Wall Street Journal, Republican Presidential hopeful Mitt Romney published an opinion piece, in which he branded President Obama “a near supplicant to Beijing” and argued the current administration was taking America “in precisely the wrong direction” on issues of trade, defense and rights.
Condemnation of Romney’s piece was understandably swift from the left, but somewhat surprising was the criticism that came from the presidential frontrunner’s flank by former rival-turned-supporter Jon Huntsman.
Appearing on MSNBC’s Andrea Mitchell Reports yesterday, Huntsman was asked about Romney’s op-ed piece.
The former U.S. Ambassador to China and former Governor of Utah responded to a section in which Romney declared, “Unless China changes its ways, on day one of my presidency I will designate it a currency manipulator and take appropriate counteraction. A trade war with China is the last thing I want, but I cannot tolerate our current trade surrender.”
“I would disagree with some of what Governor Romney has said,” said Huntsman, before later adding, “I think it’s wrongheaded when you talk about slapping a tariff on Day 1.”
However, Huntsman defended his endorsement of Romney, saying, “I happen to think that on the economy he's best placed to do what needs to be done in terms of economic development and the creation of jobs.”
Huntsman’s final piece of advice for the Republican candidates on dealing with China?
“Less pandering – take a step back and analyze with a clear vision,” he said. “[This relationship] is not going to be based on sound bites, it’s not going to be based on short-term fixes and solutions – it is a long term play between our people.”
Huntsman also discussed Chinese Vice-President Xi Jinping’s visit to the U.S. this week and Vice-President Joe Biden’s tough talk on Beijing.
China’s state news agency, Xinhua, picked up on Huntsman’s criticism of Romney, but there was no mention of the Romney opinion piece elsewhere in official Chinese media.
Leave a Comment:
huntsman is idiot because he is chinese lap dog and what he think its okay for china to tariffs on our stuff and cause big trade problem but its wrong if we do it back omg he was ambassdor to china he definately in bed with chinese. Obama needs be tough on china not kiss its ass
I believe that Huntsman is a man of deep integrity.
..frankly, I wouldnt be at all surprised to see him pull his endorsement if Mitt does something exceptionally stupid or craven over the next few months, which he probably will.
Huntsman is out for Huntsman. He endorsed Romney, but is keeping his distance so that he does not screw himself if Romney turns out to be a political loser (as appears will happen). Huntsman wants in on any administration he can get in with.
If you examine the facts, the Obama administration has taken more action against China than any of the previous 4 presidents. There has been pressure on currency valuation (China has raised the value of its currency- talked about but not accomplished before), a greater commitment from China on copyright protection and intellectual piracy, and an increased number of cases against China on trade violations are being won in the World Court (look up the impact of the case on dumping tires in the U.S.- after losing the case, China's tire manufacturers have been forced to slash output). In addition to these direct actions, The current administration has sought to build better relations with other countries in the region to counter China's growing influence. Take some time and look up the new agreements with Australia, India, and South Korea, and efforts to build ties with Burma, Indonesia, and Vietnam. Obama's effort to improve relationships with Pacific rim and Southeast Asian countries cannot be underestimated.