I'm No 'Expert on China,' Says Our Next Ambassador

Max Baucus makes odd statement during confirmation hearing
By John Johnson,  Newser Staff
Posted Jan 28, 2014 1:41 PM CST
I'm No 'Expert on China,' Says Our Next Ambassador
Retiring Montana Sen. Max Baucus testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington Tuesday before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.   (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

Retiring Sen. Max Baucus said all things you'd expect him to say during his Senate confirmation hearing to be the next ambassador to China—he talked of trade, computer breaches, human rights, and "important bilateral relationships," reports Bloomberg. But he also said one thing you most definitely would not expect him to say in that particular setting, notes Mediaite. Namely, "I'm no real expert on China."

The comment came in response to a question from Sen. Ron Johnson of Wisconsin, who asked Baucus about China's recent moves to establish an air-defense zone around some disputed islands. “Senator, I’m no real expert on China,” Baucus answered. “It’s my strong belief that Chinese people are just as proud as we Americans.” Afterward, an aide sought to downplay the odd choice of words, reports Politico. "The senator was being humble, that is the Montana way." Expert or no, Baucus is expected to cruise to an easy confirmation. (More Max Baucus stories.)

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