Has Plenty of Influence to Impart

Jon Huntsman, the new U.S. ambassador to China, arrived last week to his post in Beijing. The Mandarin-speaking former governor of Utah is nothing short of a living- Screen on Mr. Obama's intentions to take engagement with China to a new level.

Given his language fluency and deep knowledge in the region -- Huntsman was a former Mormon missionary to Taiwan and ambassador to Singapore -- Mr. Huntsman is aptly positioned to employ influence strategies from all sides of The Playmaker's Table.

The new ambassador invited journalists to his residence in his first week. By and large, Huntsman minded diplomatic protocol, and stuck to safe and low-engaging plays. He issued a series of polite yet informative Fiats and Trial Balloons on the United States' interest to work with China on climate and security-related issues. He also relied on the Filter to highlight the positives that exist in Sino-U.S. relations.

Given Huntsman's arrival, the playmakers would like to run a Trial Balloon of our own: We think that the new ambassador will be one of the most influential ever to serve in China. We think he'll run a steady stream of plays from all three classes of The Standard Table. From auspicious Ping on sensitive issues to symbolic Screen on Chinese culture, the new ambassador looks ready to be a true playmaker.

Posted by: John Koval

Photo Credit: Gawker.com