Confirmation hearings started for new ambassador to China

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Confirmation hearings have started for US President Barack Obama's choice as new Ambassador to China, Utah Governor Jon Huntsman.

China Ambassador-designate Jon Huntsman  smiles on Capitol Hill in Washington,  Thursday, July 23, 2009, during his  confirmation hearing before the Senate  Foreign Relations Committee.

If confirmed by the Senate, Huntsman will succeed Clark Randt who has served as Ambassador to China since 2001. The 49 year-old Utah Governor can speak fluent tandard Chinese. He was served as Ambassador to Singapore and as deputy US trade representative. He was elected as Utah's governor in 2004 and reelected in 2008. Huntsman and his wife have seven children, including a daughter adopted in China.