U.S. Nominee for China Post Promises Human Rights Agenda

Sen. Max Baucus, President Barack Obamas nominee to be the next U.S. ambassador to China, vowed Tuesday to make human rights a cornerstone of his agenda if he wins Senate confirmation to take on the high-profile diplomatic mission for the administration.

The six-term Montana Democrat told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee the U.S. represents an island of freedom around the world, and he would ensure human rights issues are a top priority in his dealings with China.

Protection of human rights is probably the bedrock, fundamental goal, Mr. Baucus told the committee, which is expected to vote on his nomination next Tuesday.

If confirmed, Mr. Baucus will head to Beijing as the U.S. is shifting its military, political and economic priorities towards Asia in an effort to counter Chinas expanding influence around the world. Mr. Baucus, who announced last April that he would not run for re-election this year, was nominated by Mr. Obama in December.

Senators on the Foreign Relations Committee, several of whom have worked closely with Mr. Baucus for years, generally treated the nominee with deference, an indication he is likely to be confirmed by the committee.

The most pointed questioning came from Sen. John McCain (R., Ariz.), who expressed concern about comments from Mr. Baucus that he wanted to embrace constructive engagement in his relations with China.

The role China is playing in Asia today should be of great concern to all of us, Mr. McCain told the nominee, who warned Mr. Baucus that he would have problems representing American interests if he didnt recognize the threat that China poses to global peace and security.

I dont disagree with you, Mr. Baucus replied. The overarching goal is for us as a country, I think, is to engage China with eyes wide open, to try to find common ground.

Mr. Baucus has traveled to China eight times in the last 50 years, from his days as a college student hitchhiking around Asia to his official visits as a U.S. senator. He has dealt with the economic issues facing the U.S. and China, but has less experience in the military issues between the two countries.

At one point during Tuesdays hearing, Mr. Baucus professed that he is no real expert on China, an admission one of his aides described as a moment of humility.

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U.S. Nominee for China Post Promises Human Rights Agenda