China expects new U.S. envoy to play "positive" role: paper

BEIJING, May 18 (Xinhua) -- China's Foreign Ministry said China hopes that the nomination of Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. as the U.S. ambassador to China will play a "positive" role in bilateral relations, local media reported Monday.

Video grab of C-span shows Utah's Republican Governor Jon Huntsman  devlivering a speech after being nominated by U.S. President Barack  Obama as U.S. ambassador to China, at the White House in Washington,  May 16, 2009. (Xinhua Photo)

The Beijing-based Global Times said in its cover story Monday that China's Foreign Ministry had been diplomatically contacted regarding the nomination.

"The United States has sought opinions from the Chinese side through diplomatic channels and China is handling the issue according to relevant procedures and international conventions," the ministry said in a statement.

"We hope that a new appointee will play a positive role and work to the advantage of the development of bilateral relations in a new era and strengthen the friendship between the two peoples," the ministry said.