China-savvy Republican takes helm of U.S. House panel on Asia

Looking at the emotive and favorable language used and the lack of any objective perspective, this seems much more like a political promotion piece than a news story.

So, he is for more economic ties with China and less ecological regulations. How are the people of Japan enjoying China's smog these days as well as the continuing exportation of their jobs?

I know I'm not where I live.

He was a Mormon missionary for 2 years in Taiwan so he is "China savvy". That statement is wrong for soooo many reasons.

In a newspaper commentary last March, Salmon described President Ma Ying-jeou — whose popularity has been sinking at home — as “one of the leaders in the region I most admire.”

Tried and trusted US formula of supporting leaders whoo are not popular at home.

Wow, another tea partier whose sole ideology is "I oppose Obama."

Think I'll be staying in Japan for the foreseeable future.

Let's just hope his complete lack of any principles allow him to support Taiwan when they throw the KMT out the window.

“Obama used no political capital as he doesn’t have any,” Salmon said.

Okay, he seems to share Sinological views of most mainstream American politicians, and perhaps his experience in Taiwan (which is not China) will help. But why the Obama bashing? - Because it is obligatory in Republican circles these days. Just like those ubiquitous American flag lapel pins, Republicans must regurgitate anti-Obama slogans at each outing.

Don't know China's reaction to somebody who cut his teeth in Taiwan.... Speaking the language even a little is perhaps an advantage, but the Taiwan background is probably not going to be welcomed. He wouldn't be the first politician in the world to be ignored by a country whose language he speaks.

"Wow, another tea partier whose sole ideology is "I oppose Obama."

What makes you say that?

Haven't the US government learned from the infamous Tea Party representative Ted Cruz that most TP politician only care for one agenda, "their OWN"?

Haven't the US government learned from the infamous Tea Party representative Ted Cruz that most TP politician only care for one agenda, "their OWN"?

Since Cruz doesn't support Obama's agenda why should he not care more about his - and millions of other Americans - agenda? Yes, millions of Americans think that America should engage with China but not go easy on them and other dictatorial regimes as Obama does. There is nothing wrong with Democrats and Republicans opposing each other's point of view. Yes, it is a shame that American's are so polarized but they are in opposition with words instead of fists. If only the Dem's would stop using the police powers of the state to confiscate the private property of the countries citizens.